Final answer:
The trachea and bronchi contain cartilage rings, providing structural support to prevent collapse, essential for maintaining an open airway for respiration. These cartilage rings, along with a fibroelastic membrane and smooth muscle, allow the trachea to stay open during inhalation and exhalation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trachea and bronchi can resist collapse primarily because they contain cartilage rings. The trachea is comprised of 16 to 20 pieces of C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage, providing the structural support necessary to maintain the patency of the airways. This cartilaginous support, along with the trachealis muscle and elastic connective tissue forming a fibroelastic membrane, allows the trachea to retain its shape even during the changes in pressure that occur with inhalation and exhalation.
In the bronchi, similar rings of cartilage provide the same function as in the trachea, maintaining the openness of the airways for efficient air passage. The bronchi then branch into smaller passages known as bronchioles which do not contain cartilage; instead, their shape is supported by elastic fibers and reliant on the inhaled air to remain open.