Ventrolateral view from left side

The trachea begins at the inferior end of the larynx (level of C6 body) and extends inferiorly to where it bifurcates into the left and right primary bronchi in humans. The inferior end is at the level of the sternal angle of humans in a supine position and to the body of T7 in the anatomical position. It is recognizable because of its 16 to 20 cartilaginous rings that normally prevent it from collapsing. It is about 1.5" in diameter and is lined with ciliated epithelial cells that sweep mucous out of the trachea and into the pharynx.