How does the epiglottis direct food toward the esophagus during swallowing?

The epiglottis does not actively push food toward the esophagus; rather, it acts as a protective lid that prevents food from entering the airway.

During the act of swallowing, the epiglottis—a thin, leaf-shaped plate of flexible cartilage—folds back to cover the entrance to the larynx. This movement effectively seals off the airway, ensuring that the bolus of food or liquid is diverted away from the respiratory tract and directed toward the esophagus.12

This process is coordinated with other anatomical movements: as the bolus is forced into the pharynx, the larynx moves upward and forward under the base of the tongue, which helps position the epiglottis to shield the glottis. Once the airway is protected, the esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing the food to pass into the esophagus.2