Different opinions in the literature about changes in tracheal cartilages were the basis for investigations concerning the types of morphological changes occurring in ageing tracheal cartilages. 5 micron thick specimens stained with haematoxylin-eosin and in selected cases using von Kossa method of 371 cartilages taken from 95 male (mean age 56.6 ±13.4 years) and 279 cartilages from 70 female patients (mean age 64.9 ±16 years) (p < 0.001) were the investigated material. The analysis demonstrated statistically significant cartilage type differences between men and women (p < 0.001). Chondrolysis and asbestoids were observed in 11.9% of male and 2.9% of female patients. Calcium deposits were seen in 13.2% of male and 9.7% of female patients, while cartilage ossification in 20.5% and 3.6%, respectively. The coexistence of calcium deposits and osseous metaplasia was observed in 8.6% of male and 3.9% of female patients.