Final answer:
The trachea, or windpipe, extends from the larynx towards the lungs and is supported by cartilage to prevent collapse. The esophagus, located posterior to the trachea, carries swallowed matter to the stomach. Both these structures pass through the mediastinum of the thorax.
Step-by-step explanation:
The trachea, or windpipe, is a critical component of the respiratory system. It is a tube-shaped structure extending from the larynx towards the lungs. It is formed by 16 to 20 stacked, C-shaped pieces of hyaline cartilage connected by dense connective tissue. This construction allows the trachea to stretch and expand slightly during inhalation and exhalation while preventing collapse.
Located immediately posterior to the trachea is the esophagus. The esophagus is a muscular tube approximately 25.4 cm (10 in) in length, which carries swallowed matter from the pharynx to the stomach. Like the trachea, the esophagus passes through the mediastinum of the thorax. To enter the abdomen, it penetrates the diaphragm through an opening called the esophageal hiatus.
The mediastinum is a region within the thorax that houses a collection of structures, including the trachea, esophagus, heart, and other vital organs and tissues.
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