When swallowing occurs, the structure that occludes the tracheal opening to prevent aspiration of food and liquid is the:
A) cricoid cartilage.
B) epiglottis.
C) pyriform fossa.
D) uvula.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The epiglottis is a flap-like structure that covers the tracheal opening during swallowing to prevent the aspiration of food and liquid. The cricoid cartilage is a ring-shaped cartilage that forms the base of the larynx, but it does not occlude the tracheal opening during swallowing. The pyriform fossa is a depression in the side of the pharynx, and the uvula is a small extension at the back of the soft palate, but neither of these structures occlude the tracheal opening during swallowing.

When Swallowing Occurs, the Structure That Occludes the Tracheal Opening