The elastic cartilage that shields the opening to the larynx during swallowing is the
A) thyroid cartilage.
B) cricoid cartilage.
C) corniculate cartilage.
D) cuneiform cartilage.
E) epiglottic cartilage.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The elastic cartilage that shields the opening to the larynx during swallowing is the epiglottic cartilage. The thyroid and cricoid cartilages make up the structure of the larynx itself, while the corniculate and cuneiform cartilages are small, paired cartilages that lie within the folds of the larynx and are not involved in protecting the airway during swallowing.

The Elastic Cartilage That Shields the Opening to the Larynx