What holds open the trachea?

Two things hold the trachea open

1. air pressure

2. Cartilidge rings that the trachea is made of catilaginous rings.

If a patient has had a tracheostomy and the cannula (the plastic device that keeps the trachea open) is removed, the area is covered with gauze and will close on its own in time.

Hope this helps

A RN in NJ

Source:

Experience, and teaching....most of all my head