Trachea and oesophagus cross-section, illustration. The trachea (bottom) and oesophagus (top) are tubes passing through the throat and chest from the mouth to to the lungs and stomach respectively. The trachea (also known as the windpipe) is reinforced by rings of cartilage, bring air to and from the lungs. The oesophagus (also known as the gullet) is softer and moves food downwards by the contraction of smooth muscle in its walls.