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 from their body survived. This program also aired in the USA on the Discovery network's "The Learning Channel" in October 2007. The program contains stories, including a man having a uterus and a man with a teratoma, a type of large tumor. The large jaw tumor segment featured the work Mercy Ships, who have operated floating hospital ships in impoverished areas around the world. 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