<P> The trachea is surrounded by rings of hyaline cartilage ; these rings are incomplete and C - shaped . The cricoid cartilage is attached to the first tracheal ring at top of the trachea and acts as the bottom of the larynx . There are fifteen to twenty rings in total , separated by narrow intervals . These reinforce the front and sides of the trachea to protect and maintain the airway . </P>
what is the function of the cartilaginous rings in the trachea
reinforce the front and sides of the trachea to protect and maintain the airway