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It's a "flap" that covers either the trachea or esophagus. It prevents you from choking. When you eat, it covers the trachea so food will go down the esophagus and not the windpipe (trachea). If food gets down your trachea, you will choke.

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Agnes Bogan

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2y ago

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Related Questions

What is the epiglottis and what is its function?

The epiglottis is a little flap of mucus covered tissue that is attached to the root of the tongue. It is not the uvula (aka: the hang down thing in your mouth). Its purpose is to prevent food going into the airway passage.


What is a flap of tissue that closes the passage to the trachea and lungs?

It is the epiglottis.


What is a flap of tissue that seals off your windpipe preventing food from entering?

That's your epiglottis.


What structure covers the epiglottis?

During swallowing, the epiglottis covers the glottic opening to prevent aspiration of food or fluids into the lungs.


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.


Does the epiglottis assist speaking?

The epiglottis helps prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea (windpipe) when swallowing. It does not directly assist with speaking, but it plays a crucial role in protecting the airway during the swallowing process.


When was Hakea epiglottis created?

Hakea epiglottis was created in 1805.


What is the small flap that seals of the trachea called?

This smalflap of tissue is known as the epiglottis. It blocks the trachea (windpipe) during the swallowing of food andliquids.


What is the tiny flap that covers the trachea during swallowing?

The epiglottis protects the trachea from food.


What is the primary purpose of the epiglotis?

The primary purpose of the epiglottis is to act as a flap that covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing. This prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea and directs them into the esophagus instead. By doing so, the epiglottis helps protect the airway and prevents choking. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that the respiratory and digestive pathways remain separate during the act of swallowing.


What is the medical term meaning inflammation of the epiglottis?

Epiglottitis is inflammation of the epiglottis.


What part of the throat keeps food from entering the trachea?

The Epiglottis