Final answer:
The upper airway consists of structures such as the larynx, trachea, and bronchi, with cartilage providing support and preventing collapse. The larynx contains large cartilage pieces, and the trachea is formed by stacked C-shaped pieces of cartilage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The upper airway is made up of several structures, including the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Cartilage is present in the larynx and trachea to provide structural support and prevent collapse. In the larynx, three large cartilage pieces, including the thyroid cartilage, epiglottis, and cricoid cartilage, form the major structure. In the trachea, 16 to 20 stacked C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage are connected by connective tissue.