The Flap-Like Structure That Prevents Food from Entering the Larynx

Question

The flap-like structure that prevents food from entering the larynx is called the
A) uvula.
B) soft palate.
C) epiglottis.
D) thyroid cartilage.
E) cricoid cartilage.

Accepted Answer

The flap-like structure that prevents food from entering the larynx is called the epiglottis. The uvula is a tissue hanging from the soft palate, the soft palate is a muscular structure at the back of the roof of the mouth, and the thyroid and cricoid cartilages are part of the structure of the larynx but do not function specifically to prevent food from entering it.