windpipe

Everyday

The windpipe is the tube in your throat that carries air from your mouth and nose down to your lungs; its science name is the trachea. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons about breathing, air goes through the nose or mouth, down the windpipe, into the lungs. The windpipe is in front of the food pipe (oesophagus). In first aid and safety, choking happens when food or a small object blocks the windpipe; children learn not to talk or run while eating, and adults learn back blows and abdominal thrusts. Phrases: «down the wrong way», «food stuck in the windpipe».

Examples

• Air travels down the windpipe to the lungs. tree →
• The windpipe is also called the trachea. tree →
• A grape can get stuck in a small child's windpipe. tree →
• Chew your food well so it does not block your windpipe. tree →
• The windpipe has rings of cartilage that keep it open. tree →
• If someone is choking, get an adult quickly. tree →
• Label the windpipe and lungs on the diagram. tree →
• The food went down the wrong way into his windpipe. tree →
• I have a good windpipe in my chest, and I have four wings that are placed outside my head, just beneath my hat. tree →

Note

Countable; one word. Trap: the windpipe (for air) and food pipe or oesophagus (for food) are different tubes; a flap called the epiglottis stops food going down the windpipe. Cut grapes and round foods small for little children to stop choking.