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The epiglottis protects the trachea, which handles breathing. When you swallow food, the epiglottis covers the entrance to the trachea so food doesn't get in. Occasionally small bits of food do get in, and that's when you hear people say things like "My food/drink just went down the wrong pipe." Fortunately, for small bits of food like this, coughing it up is usually enough to expel it.
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∙ 12y ago
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How do the glottis of a frog and the epiglottis of the human protect the respiratory system in each animal?
They both protect food from going into the lungs.
What happens when respiratory and digestive system meet?
The epiglottis in the Oral Cavity
What keeps the food from entering the respiratory system?
You have a sort of flap in the back of your throat called the epiglottis. When you swallow, the epiglottis flaps down over your trachea (windpipe) which prevents food from entering your respiratory system. So the epiglottis is what keeps food from entering the respiratory system.
Food masses are kept from entering the respiratory system by the what?
The esophagus
What is the pharynx in the respiratory system?
The pharynx is shared with the digestive system from the lungs down to the epiglottis.
What is the leaf like structure which prevents the entry of food into the respiratory passages?
The epiglottis is the structure that prevents the entry of food into the respiratory system. It is made of connective tissue.
What is the laryngeal cartilage that keeps swallowed materials out of the lower respiratory system?
epiglottis
Which body system which includes the epiglottis trachea and bronchi?
The upper respiratory tract.
What organs are involved in the respiratory system?
respiratory system consists organs like: nose mouth epiglottis throat trachea bronchi lungs alveoi diaphragram
What helps to separate the digestive system from the respiratory system?
The epiglottis a flap of skin that stops food from entering your windpipe.
What structure closes off the entrance to the larynx and trachea which prevents food or liquid from entering the respiratory system?
When swallowing, the epiglottis closes off the trachea to direct food down the esophagus.
What does a diagram of the respiratory system look like?
The respiratory system is very interesting, usually showing the Pharynx, then the epiglottis, the trachea and the two Bronchi (left and right) than the lung.
