What structure of the human body keeps food from going down the wrong pipe?

Answer 1

There is a flap that connects the esophogus with the trachea. The flap opens when you breathe or talk. The flap closes when you swallow food. If you talk or breathe while you eat food. the flap opens and food goes down to your lungs. Then, you choke.

Answer 2

The epiglottis guards the entrance of the glottis, the opening between the vocal folds. It is normally pointed upward, but during swallowing, elevation of the hyoid bone draws the larynx upward; as a result, the epiglottis folds down to a more horizontal position. In this manner it prevents food from going into the trachea and instead directs it to the esophagus, which is more posterior.

Answer 3

Your epiglottis closes and opens in your throat. It's the part that causes gagging.

Answer 4

epiglottis.
The pharynx opens and closes the tube for the food pipe

Answer 5

The epiglottis covers the "wrong pipe" (larynx) to keep food (and fluids) from going down it when we swallow.

Answer 6

epiglottis