What is the medical term for the "windpipe"?

The medical term for the "windpipe" is the trachea. The trachea is a tubular structure that serves as a critical component of the respiratory system, providing a passage for air to travel from the larynx to the bronchi and into the lungs. It is composed of cartilage rings that keep it open, allowing for unobstructed airflow.

The trachea is essential for normal respiration, as it connects the upper respiratory tract (which includes the larynx) with the lower respiratory tract (including the bronchi and lungs). Its structure and function are vital for maintaining efficient gas exchange in the body.

In contrast, other terms listed do not refer to the windpipe: the larynx is involved in sound production and is located above the trachea, the esophagus is the passage that carries food to the stomach, and the bronchi are the branches that diverge from the trachea to enter the lungs. Each of these structures plays a distinct role in the body, but only the trachea directly corresponds with the term "windpipe."