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What is the flap that closes when humans swallow to block off the trachea?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoThe epiglottis is the flap of cartilage that closes as you swallow preventing food from entering the trachea ("wind pipe"). After the food passes into your esophagus the epiglottis opens again. When you talk or laugh while eating the epiglottis may stay open letting some food in and causing you to cough or choke.
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What are the functions of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is a little flap of skin that closes over your trachea (the airway) when you swallow food or water to prevent it from "going down the wrong tube."
What organ is the flap that closes when you swallow to block off your trechea so food does not go down toward your lungs?
It's called the epiglottis
Your epiglottis folds down to block the entrance to your windpipe when you do what?
The epiglottis blocks the entrance to your windpipe when you swallow. This action prevents food from entering your trachea instead of your esophagus.
Causes of coughing while eating in elderly?
If you mean choking/suffocation so the reason is simple. In order for the food we eat to go to the trachea instead to the esophagus, there is a cartilage tissue called the epiglottis. Its job is to block the trachea while swallowing. That is the reason we don't breath in the same time we actually swallow. When the epiglottis fails doing its job and the trachea remains open while swallowing, substances can enter the trachea (and they are definitely not welcomed there) and block it which eventually leads to the coughing you mentioned. It can happens basically if we eat very fast, or talk while eating.
Why would move downward to close the trachea during swallowing?
The epiglottis moves downards to block the trachea during swallowing.
Why shouldnt you swallow gum?
It can block your intestines.
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