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The epiglottis normally keeps this from happening.
* How The Epiglottis Works:
When you swallow, a small flap - called the epiglottis - briefly covers the top of the windpipe (or trachea) so that food goes the right way, into the digestive system, and not the wrong way, into the respiratory tract.
The flap can't stay down all the time, or you would not be able to breathe! Sometimes a little food or liquid does get into the windpipe - perhaps if you ingest it very quickly - and that's when you cough to get it out again.
When you swallow, the epiglottis should automatically cover the windpipe, so swallowing is a good way to suppress a cough if you are somewhere where you don't want to make a noise...
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoThe body automatically reacts and covers the trachea with the epiglotis.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoThe structure known as epiglottis folds to cover the trachea (breathing tube) from the esophagus (eating tube) and prevents any water or food from entering the lungs.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoa little flap of tissue called the epiglotis prevents food and liquid from entering the lungs
Wiki User
∙ 11y agotrachea
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A thin plate that stops food from entering your lungs?
epiglottis
What is the medical term meaning food or liquid entering the lungs?
Aspiration is the medical term meaning food or liquid entering the lungs.
What is the esphogus's purpose?
It stops food & drink going into the lungs
What keeps food and water from entering the frogs lungs?
the eustachian tube
How does the epiglottis?
epiglottis closed up to protect food from entering the lungs
What are 3 ways immigrants benefit Australia?
the immigrants brang food, instruments and technology
What keeps food and water from entering the frogs lungs inside?
the eustachian tube
What helps to separate the digestive system from the respiratory system?
The epiglottis a flap of skin that stops food from entering your windpipe.
How does blood entering the lungs differ from blood leaving the lungs?
The blood leaving the lungs is loaded with oxygen, while blood entering the lungs is about to get oxygen from the respiratory system.
What is the function of the epilottis during the digestive process?
Prevents food and water entering the lungs
What prevents food from getting to lungs?
Food can be prevented from entering the larynx if a person has issues with eating, or if their esophagus is giving them problems. Large food pieces can cause this as well.
What closes over the trachea when swallowing?
The epiglottis covers the opening to the trachea when swallowing - thereby preventing food/drink entering the trachea and lungs.
