What is the function of the epiglottis? a. to stop food being regurgitated b. to allow food down the trachea c. to prevent food going down the trachea d. none of the above
Question
What is the function of the epiglottis? a. to stop food being regurgitated b. to allow food down the trachea c. to prevent food going down the trachea d. none of the above
Solution
The function of the epiglottis is c. to prevent food going down the trachea.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
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When you swallow, the epiglottis, a leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue at the top of the larynx, flips downward to seal off the windpipe (trachea).
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This prevents food and drink from entering the air passages that lead to the lungs.
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Once the food has passed into the esophagus, the epiglottis flips upward again.
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The upward flip allows air to flow into the lungs, and prevents food and drink from entering the trachea during breathing.
So, the main function of the epiglottis is to route food to the esophagus and air to the trachea, and prevent the mixing of the two.
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