Algonquin College Health Program Assessment (AC-HPAT) Practice Exam

Why is the trachea structured with incomplete rings of cartilage?

1. To increase flexibility

2. To allow food to go down the oesophagus

3. To enhance airflow

4. To prevent collapse

The correct answer is: To allow food to go down the oesophagus

The trachea is structured with incomplete rings of cartilage primarily to enhance flexibility. This flexibility allows the trachea to expand and contract as air moves in and out of the lungs. The incomplete nature of these rings means there is a posterior opening that allows the trachea to accommodate the changes that occur during swallowing and to facilitate the passage of food through the esophagus. If the trachea were completely encased in rings, it would not be able to accommodate the food bolus moving through the esophagus behind it, leading to potential obstruction or discomfort. Additionally, the presence of these incomplete rings contributes to the overall structural integrity of the trachea, preventing it from collapsing during normal breathing. However, the primary function of the cartilaginous structure, in this case, is related to the need for flexibility and the ability to allow food to move unobstructedly through the esophagus while maintaining a patent airway.