Where it is
Midline of the neck and upper chest, in front of the esophagus, about 10–12 cm long. It divides at the carina, at about the level of the sternal angle.
What it does
Conducts air to the bronchi. Its lining has cilia and mucus that sweep particles up toward the throat.
Clinical relevance
- Tracheal deviation away from one side suggests tension pneumothorax.
- Tracheostomy tubes are placed in the trachea below the larynx.
- The right main bronchus is wider and more vertical, so aspirated objects and deep endotracheal tubes tend to go right.
Nursing focus
- Check that the trachea is midline during respiratory assessment.
- Keep a spare tracheostomy tube and obturator at the bedside.