Tracheal Cartilages: Vital Structures Undergo Age-Related Changes
The trachea, a vital airway, is composed of unique cartilaginous structures that support and facilitate breathing. These structures, known as tupac cartilages or tracheal rings, exhibit distinct features and undergo changes with age.
Typically, there are 16 to 20 individual tupac cartilages in the trachea, varying among individuals. Each cartilage is about 1 to 2 millimeters thick and 4 to 5 millimeters deep. Notably, the first and last cartilages are unique: the first is broad and divided, while the last is broad in the middle and thick, curving downward to enclose the bronchi.
These cartilages form C-shaped rings that provide support and flexibility during breathing. However, with age, these cartilages tend to calcify or stiffen, losing their natural elasticity. This process is part of the normal aging of the trachea. Additionally, as part of this aging process, two or more tupac cartilages may fuse together.
The tupac cartilages, crucial for breathing, exhibit distinct features and undergo changes with age. Understanding these changes is essential for maintaining respiratory health. While the specific doctor who detailed these changes is not mentioned in the search results, their work contributes significantly to our understanding of the aging process in the trachea.
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