Windpipe (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: TRACHEA (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Windpipe" with 7 letters is "TRACHEA".Trachea is the tube that connects the throat (larynx) to the lungs, commonly known as the windpipe. It serves as the primary airway for air to enter and exit the lungs, playing a vital role in the respiratory system by allowing airflow to and from the lungs for breathing.
Why “Trachea” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “windpipe.” The answer, TRACHEA, fits perfectly:
- Windpipe: Trachea is the anatomical term for the tube that connects the throat (larynx) to the lungs, allowing the passage of air for breathing — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, trachea fits the clue’s enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The trachea is a vital respiratory organ and is commonly referred to in both medical and everyday language as the windpipe.
The term trachea originates from early scientific Latin and Greek medical vocabulary:
- Origin and usage: From the Greek word tracheia (meaning “rough”), referencing the tube’s ridged cartilage rings. These cartilaginous rings prevent the airway from collapsing and allow airflow to the lungs.
Anatomical context:
- Located in front of the esophagus, extending downward to divide into the left and right bronchi.
- Protected by the larynx at the top and the sternum in front.
- Plays a key role in respiration — carrying inhaled air to the lungs and exhaled air out of them.
Examples:
- “The trachea helps maintain an open passage for air intake.”
- “Smoke inhalation can irritate the trachea and cause coughing.”
- “Doctors inserted a tube into the trachea to assist breathing.”
In quick crosswords like “windpipe (7)”, the clue type is a clear medical or biological definition:
- The word trachea is a staple term appearing frequently in crosswords because of its scientific precision, easy recognizability, and unique letter combination.
- Common incorrect alternatives, like bronchi (7) or larynxx (7 letters, uncommon spelling), do not correctly define “windpipe.”
- The clue’s straightforward nature indicates it’s a pure definition clue rather than cryptic, perfect for solvers with basic anatomy knowledge.
