The word "trachealis" is spelled with a combination of consonants and vowels that can be difficult to decipher using traditional English spelling rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /tɹəˈkiːəlɪs/. The "tr-" at the beginning is pronounced like the "ch" in "church," while the "ch" in the middle is pronounced like the "k" in "king." The "-ealis" ending is pronounced like "ee-lis". Overall, the word is pronounced "truh-kee-uh-lis."
Trachealis refers to a muscular band or layer that is found within the trachea, which is the windpipe responsible for connecting the larynx to the bronchi in humans and other mammals. The trachealis is a smooth muscle that encircles the posterior and lateral walls of the trachea, forming part of its structure.
The main function of the trachealis is to regulate the size and shape of the tracheal lumen, which is the hollow space in the center of the trachea through which air passes during respiration. By contracting and relaxing, the trachealis muscle can alter the diameter of the trachea, allowing for adjustments in airflow. During normal respiration, the muscle is generally relaxed, maintaining a relatively wide tracheal lumen. However, during coughing or forceful exhalation, the trachealis contracts, narrowing the tracheal passageway to increase the velocity of expelled air and aid in the removal of foreign particles or mucus.
The trachealis muscle is innervated by the autonomic nervous system, primarily through parasympathetic fibers. These nerve fibers release neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, which cause the muscle to contract. Conversely, sympathetic fibers can inhibit the contraction of the trachealis, thereby promoting relaxation and widening of the tracheal lumen.
Overall, the trachealis plays a crucial role in maintaining proper airflow within the respiratory system and facilitating protective mechanisms such as coughing.
See under musculus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word trachealis is derived from the Latin term trachea, which means windpipe. Trachea itself comes from the Greek word tráchia, meaning rough, harsh, which refers to the rough texture of the windpipe due to its cartilaginous rings. The suffix -alis in Latin is commonly used to indicate pertaining to, so trachealis can be understood as pertaining to the trachea or related to the windpipe.