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The epiglottis closes (to stop food going into the lungs) and the muscular walls contract to push the food down the oesophagus.

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13y ago

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What happenes to jaws and larynx during breathing and swallowing in fish?

The jaws and larynx during breathing and swallowing in fish, contracts. The jaws suck in, and the larynx contracts and closes temporarily while the breath is happening.


What is the flap the closes off the larynx and prevents food and water from entering the larynx during swallowing?

It's called the 'epiglottis'.


The larynx is covered by what during swallowing?

During swallowing, the larynx is covered by the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that closes off the top of the larynx to prevent food and drink from entering the airway. This action helps to direct food and liquids into the esophagus and away from the lungs.


What is the leaf-shaped cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing is the?

The cartilage covering the opening of the larynx is called the epiglottis. It keeps food or liquids from entering the larynx when we swallow.


What happens to the larynx as you swallow the food you eat?

There is a piece of cartilage called the epiglottis which folds over the opening of the larynx as the person is swallowing. This prevents food from going into the windpipe.


Is the larynx involved in the swallowing reflex?

No, your larynx is used for speech purposes; it contains your vocal chords. The main swallowing mechanism is your esophagus with help from the epiglottis (the flap that covers up your windpipe, keeping things from slipping into your bronchial tubes and lungs)


What is the opening into the top of the larynx called?

The opening into the top of the larynx is called the epiglottis. It is a flap of elastic cartilage that covers the larynx during swallowing to prevent food and liquids from entering the respiratory tract.


What is the cartilaginous structure that make up the larynx?

The larynx is round in structure. It covers the trachea during swallowing so the food does not go down the windpipe.


What happens to the larynx when you get laryngitis?

When you have laryngitis, the lining of the larynx becomes inflamed and swollen. This can cause hoarseness or loss of voice. It may also lead to difficulty speaking or swallowing.


What entrance to the larynx is guarded by what structure?

The entrance to the larynx is guarded by the epiglottis. This flap of cartilage covers the trachea during swallowing to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway.


Can food pass through the larynx?

No, food cannot pass through the larynx. The larynx is part of the respiratory system, responsible for producing sound and protecting the trachea during swallowing. Food passes through the esophagus to reach the stomach.


What happens to the shape of trachea when swallowing food?

It is important that food not go down the trachea, or expand the esophagus into the trachea or larynx. The epiglottis blocks the trachea when swallowing, and the change in shape makes this more effective.