Which structure prevents food and liquid from entering the airway?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that closes over the opening of the trachea (windpipe) when swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway. The tongue helps move food around the mouth prior to swallowing, but does not prevent it from entering the airway. The salivary glands produce saliva to aid in digestion, but do not prevent food from entering the airway. The lower esophageal sphincter is a muscle that controls the opening and closing of the esophagus and stomach, but does not prevent food or liquid from entering the airway.

Which Structure Prevents Food and Liquid from Entering the Airway