This Structure Prevents Food or Water from Entering the Trachea

Question

This structure prevents food or water from entering the trachea.
A) arytenoid cartilage
B) epiglottis
C) nasopharynx
D) thyroid cartilage
E) paranasal sinus

Accepted Answer

The epiglottis is a small, leaf-shaped flap of cartilage that sits at the top of the larynx (voice box). When you swallow, the epiglottis flips down to cover the opening of the trachea (windpipe), preventing food or water from entering the lungs.