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What structure closes off the rest of the pharynx when we are eating so that food does not get into the lungs?
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that closes off the trachea from the esophagus (or vice versa), so that food being swallowed goes through the esophagus, and air goes to the lungs.
While it is still possible to "swallow air" with food, the epiglottis usually prevents any food or drink from reaching the bronchial tubes. When this does happen inadvertently (as when trying to eat and talk at the same time), it triggers a coughing reflex to expel the inhaled material. This can sometimes result in food being forced up into the nasal passages as well.
Conversely, failure of the epiglottis to function when regurgitation occurs (throwing up) can allow acidous fluid coming from the stomach to reach the lungs, which is a dangerous medical situation.
Wiki User
∙ 6y ago
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What organ system includes the pharynx larynx trachea and lungs?
The pharynx is a apart of the Respiratory system
What structures does air pass through as it travels to the lungs?
The nose, pharynx, trachea, and bronchi.
Does the pharynx moisten and warm air?
Yes, the pharynx plays a role in moistening and warming the air as it travels from the nasal cavity to the lungs. The moist lining of the pharynx helps to humidify the air, while the blood vessels in the pharynx help to warm it.
What organ is connected to the mouth by the esophagus?
The esophagus connects the pharynx to the stomach. In the conjunction between the pharynx, esophagus, and the larynx (windpipe), the larynx is covered by a flap of cartilage called the epiglottis to prevent food from traveling into the lungs. When this fails or closes too slow, the person experiences that the liquid/food "went down the wrong pipe".
Is the pharynx distal or proximal to lung?
In terms of the respiratory tract, the pharynx is proximal to the lung. It comes before the lungs as air moves through the respiratory tract.
What structure connects the pharynx and the lungs?
The pharynx connects the nose and mouth to the trachea. It also serves a digestive system.
What is the opening to the frogs lungs?
The glottis opens to the pharynx leading to the lungs.
What is the pharynx in the respiratory system?
The pharynx is shared with the digestive system from the lungs down to the epiglottis.
What organ system includes the pharynx larynx trachea and lungs?
The pharynx is a apart of the Respiratory system
What is the work of the pharynx?
it is a long tube that connects to lungs
Which of these is a muscle lungs nostrils diaphragm pharynx?
Diaphragm
What are the branches of the trachea that lead into the lungs?
The Trachea leads to the lungs!!! hope this helped! ♥ plumplums
What prevents getting food or liquid into the lungs?
What prevents food from getting into the lungs is an Aorta.
Which of the following is not a component of the lungs bronchi or alveoli or pharynx?
alveoli
Does the pharynx prevent food from going down your lungs?
yes it does...
What windpipe leads from the pharynx toward the lungs?
the windpipe
What closes over the windpipe when you swallow?
lungs
