trachealis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Trachealis is a discontinuous layer of smooth muscle spanning the transverse, posterior deficiency of the C-shaped cartilages within the trachea. The body of the muscle is rich in fibroelastic tissue to aid with elastic recoil.
Trachealis is innervated the autonomic nervous system:
- sympathetic stimulation facilitates relaxation
- parasympathetic stimulation causes contraction
When coughing, trachealis constricts prior to the relaxation of the vocal cords. This increases the pressure within the trachea to make the cough more explosive.