Food is Prevented from Entering the Trachea by The

Question

Food is prevented from entering the trachea by the
A)pharynx.
B)uvula.
C)epiglottis.
D)glottis.
E)soft palate.

Accepted Answer

The flap-like structure called the epiglottis covers the larynx (opening of the trachea) during swallowing to ensure that food and liquid do not enter the trachea, but instead go down the esophagus and into the stomach. The pharynx, uvula, glottis, and soft palate are also involved in the mechanism of swallowing, but only the epiglottis specifically prevents food from entering the trachea.