The Dangling Process That Aids in Keeping Food Out of the Nasopharynx

Question

The dangling process that aids in keeping food out of the nasopharynx is known as the
A) palatine tonsil.
B) pharyngeal tonsil.
C) soft palate.
D) tongue.
E) uvula.

Accepted Answer

The dangling process that aids in keeping food out of the nasopharynx is the uvula. The uvula is located at the back of the soft palate and helps prevent food and liquids from entering the nasopharynx during swallowing. Palatine and pharyngeal tonsils are lymphoid tissues located in the back of the oral cavity and pharynx, respectively. The soft palate is the fleshy, flexible part towards the back of the roof of the mouth. The tongue helps with taste and manipulating food during chewing and swallowing.