Final answer:
The U-shaped cartilages of the trachea are located on its anterior side, providing support and structure to prevent collapse.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 16-20 U-shaped cartilages are located on the anterior (front) side of the trachea. These stacked, C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage provide structural support and prevent the trachea from collapsing. The trachea is formed by stacked, C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage that provide structural support and prevent the trachea from collapsing. These cartilages are connected by dense connective tissue and are closed by a fibroelastic membrane on the posterior surface of the trachea. On the posterior (back) side, there is the fibroelastic membrane and the trachealis muscle which complete the tracheal tube and allow flexibility for the trachea's expansion during breathing.