What does the trachea branch into?

The trachea branches into the bronchi, which are the two primary air passages that lead from the trachea into the lungs. This branching occurs at the level of the carina, where the trachea divides into the right and left main bronchi. Once inside the lungs, each of these bronchi further subdivides into smaller bronchi and eventually into bronchioles, but the immediate branching from the trachea specifically points to the bronchi.

Understanding this branching is essential for grasping how the respiratory system functions; air travels down the trachea and enters the bronchi, which then distribute air to each lung. The bronchi are larger and provide a pathway for air, while the bronchioles, which are smaller airways, lead to the alveoli where gas exchange occurs. This anatomical sequence is crucial for effective respiration and oxygen delivery throughout the body.