Final answer:
The trachea is a passage in the respiratory system that connects the larynx to the lungs. It is approximately 10-15 cm long and 2.5 cm wide, and is composed of rings of cartilage. The diaphragm is the muscle that controls the process of breathing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trachea, also known as the windpipe, is a passage in the respiratory system that extends from the larynx to the lungs. It is approximately 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) long and 2.5 cm (1 inch) wide. The trachea is composed of 16-20 stacked C-shaped rings of cartilage that provide structural support and prevent it from collapsing.
The trachea starts at the larynx, which is located at the top of the neck, and ends by bifurcating into two bronchial tubes, which lead to the lungs. It serves as a pathway for air to enter and exit the respiratory system, facilitating the process of breathing.
The primary muscle responsible for controlling the process of breathing is the diaphragm, which is located below the lungs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward and expands the chest cavity, allowing air to be drawn into the lungs. When it relaxes, the chest cavity decreases in size, causing air to be expelled from the lungs.