The trachea (from the lower Latin trachia), is an organ of the respiratory system, connecting the larynx to the bronchi.

Position. Located in the lower part of the neck and the upper part of the thorax (1), the trachea is the duct extending the larynx. The trachea ends at the level of the tracheal bifurcation giving rise to the two main bronchi, the right and left main bronchi (2).

Structure. With a length of 10 to 12 cm, the trachea has an elastic fibro-cartilaginous structure. It is made up (2):

• on the anterior and lateral walls: from 16 to 20 cartilaginous rings, horseshoe-shaped, and fibrous tissue located in the spaces between the rings;
• on the posterior wall: of a connective-muscular tissue connecting the ends of the rings.

Mucous. The inside of the trachea is lined with a mucous membrane made up of 1 mucus-secreting cells and cilia cilia.

Respiratory function. The trachea allows the passage of air to the bronchi.

Lung protection. The mucous membrane lining the trachea helps protect the lungs thanks to various phenomena (1):

• the secretion of mucus makes it possible to agglutinate the impurities present in the inspired air
• the expulsion of dust to the outside thanks to the cilia cells

Sore throat. Most often of viral origin, this symptom can be caused by damage to the trachea, especially in the case of tracheitis.

Tracheitis. This benign pathology corresponds to inflammation of the trachea. It is most often of viral origin but can also be of bacterial or allergic origin. This condition can appear in an acute form or persist in a chronic form. Symptoms of tracheitis are coughing and sometimes difficulty in breathing.

Cancer of the trachea. It is a rare form of throat cancer (3).

Medical treatment. Depending on the pathology diagnosed, certain drugs may be prescribed such as cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy. Depending on the type of cancer and its progression, treatment with chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted therapy may be implemented.

Surgical treatment. Depending on the stage of the tumor, surgery may be performed. If necessary, a tubular prosthesis, more particularly a stent, can be placed in order to keep the trachea open (3).

Tracheotomy. In the most serious cases, this surgical intervention consists of an opening at the level of the larynx to allow the passage of air and prevent asphyxiation.

Physical examination. The appearance of pain in the trachea first requires a clinical examination to assess the symptoms and identify the causes of the pain.

Medical imaging exam. An ultrasound, a CT scan, or an MRI can be done to confirm a diagnosis.

In 2011, the medical journal The Lancet published an article revealing the success of an artificial trachea transplant. This feat was achieved by a Swedish team who developed a tailor-made artificial trachea for a patient with advanced respiratory cancer. This artificial trachea consists of a manometric structure seeded with stem cells (4).