What is another name for the trachea in layman’s terms?

The trachea is commonly referred to as the windpipe in everyday language. This name is derived from its function as the main passageway for air to travel to and from the lungs during breathing. The windpipe extends from the larynx (voice box) down to the bronchi, which branch off into the lungs. Its structure consists of cartilage rings that keep it open and a mucosal lining that helps trap dust and microbes to protect the lower respiratory system.

While the airway could be loosely used to describe the trachea as part of the respiratory system, it generally refers to the entire passage through which air flows, including the nasal passages, pharynx, and larynx. The throat commonly refers to the combined areas of the pharynx and larynx and does not specifically denote the trachea. The esophagus, on the other hand, is a separate structure that carries food and liquids to the stomach, distinctly different from the respiratory functions of the trachea.