Trachea are generally highly elastic but they may calcify with age. The trachealis muscle connects the ends of the incomplete rings and contracts during coughing, reducing the size of the lumen of the trachea to increase the rate of air flow. The esophagus lies posteriorly to the trachea, adjoining along the tracheoesophageal stripe. Circular horizontal bands of fibrous tissue called the annular ligaments of trachea join the tracheal rings together. The cartilaginous rings are incomplete to allow the trachea to collapse slightly so that food can pass down the esophagus. A flap-like epiglottis closes the opening to the larynx during swallowing
101 Things Removed from the Human Body 101 Things Removed from the Human Body 101 Things Removed from the Human Body and 101 More Things Removed from the Human Body is a British "shockumentary" series directed by Eric Schotz, which is narrated by Mitch Lewis. The program features tales of foreign objects that have been removed from human bodies in the form of a countdown from 101 to 1. Items included are javelins, a boat anchor, a bicycle pump, a bag of nails, an ice pick, and a human body. The documentary series was first broadcast on Sky One in October 2003. When the show was re-broadcast