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How does the epiglottis prevent food from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing?

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The epiglottis is a thin, lidlike plate of flexible cartilage located at the upper part of the larynx. It plays a critical role in protecting the respiratory tract during the process of swallowing.123

As food is swallowed, the entire larynx structure moves upward and forward toward the base of the tongue. This movement brings the larynx into contact with the epiglottis, which folds back to cover and block the entrance to the larynx. By acting as a protective flap, the epiglottis diverts the bolus of food away from the airway and into the esophagus. Once the food has safely passed into the esophagus, the larynx relaxes and returns to its natural position, allowing respiration to resume. This protective mechanism is essential for preventing foreign particles from entering the lower respiratory tracts.132