Windpipe (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: TRACHEA (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Windpipe" with 7 letters is "TRACHEA".Trachea is the windpipe, a tube that connects the throat to the lungs, allowing air to pass in and out during breathing. It plays a crucial role in the respiratory system by providing a clear airway for the passage of air to the lungs and helping to filter and moisten it before it reaches the delicate lung tissues.
Why “Trachea” Fits
The clue asks for a single word (7 letters) meaning “windpipe.” The answer, TRACHEA, fits perfectly:
- Windpipe: Trachea is the scientific term for the tube connecting the larynx (voice box) to the bronchi of the lungs, allowing the passage of air — exactly matching the clue’s definition.
- Direct match: With seven letters, trachea fits the enumeration precisely.
- Precise meaning: The word describes a vital part of the human and animal respiratory system that carries air to and from the lungs.
The trachea plays a fundamental role in respiration across many species:
- Origin and usage: Derived from Greek trachēia (from trachys, meaning “rough”), referring to its ridged texture created by cartilage rings. The term entered English in the early 17th century through Latin trachea arteria, meaning “rough artery.”
Anatomical structure:
- The trachea is about 10–12 cm long in adults and about 2 cm in diameter.
- Reinforced by C-shaped cartilaginous rings to prevent collapse during breathing.
- Lined with cilia and mucus to trap dust and pathogens, keeping the airway clean.
Function:
- Serves as the main airway, conducting inhaled air from the larynx to the bronchi and lungs.
- Filters and moisturises the air before it reaches the lungs.
Examples:
- “The doctor inserted a tube into the patient’s trachea to assist breathing.”
- “Smoke inhalation can damage the trachea and bronchi.”
- “The trachea branches into the left and right bronchi.”
In quick crosswords like “Windpipe (7),” anatomical clues often correspond to specific scientific or medical terms:
- Definition: The clue “Windpipe” points directly to the anatomical term trachea.
- Clue type: Straightforward factual clue — testing basic general knowledge of human biology.
Solving strategy:
- When a clue mentions body parts connected to breathing or respiration, consider terms such as trachea, bronchi, or larynx.
- The enumeration (7) instantly identifies trachea as the only fitting term among these.
Common crossword pattern: One-word anatomical clues are popular for their clarity and precision, making trachea a recurring answer in quick crosswords.
