asked 78.6k views
4 votes
What structure aids in food moving down the esophagus and not the trachea?

1) Epiglottis
2) Larynx
3) Pharynx
4) Trachea

asked
User Xinchao
by
8.1k points

1 Answer

7 votes

Final answer:

The epiglottis aids in food moving down the esophagus and not the trachea by blocking access to the trachea during swallowing.

Step-by-step explanation:

The structure that aids in food moving down the esophagus and not the trachea is the epiglottis.

During swallowing, the epiglottis folds over the glottis, which is the opening to the larynx, effectively blocking access to the trachea.

This process ensures that food enters the esophagus and not the trachea, preventing choking.

answered
User Irokhes
by
8.2k points
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