What is the opening of the trachea called?

The opening of the trachea is known as the glottis. The glottis specifically refers to the space between the vocal cords in the larynx and is responsible for sound production and protecting the airway during swallowing. It plays a crucial role in directing air into the trachea for respiration and preventing food and liquids from entering the trachea during the swallowing process.

Understanding this anatomy is important in the context of the respiratory system, as the glottis directly affects airflow and sound production, distinguishing it from structures such as the bronchi, which are the main passageways that branch off from the trachea into the lungs, the larynx, which houses the vocal cords and helps in sound production, and the pharynx, which is the part of the throat located behind the mouth and nasal cavity, serving as a pathway for both air and food.