Question

A thin–elastic cartilaginous flap which prevents the entry of food into the larynx is
A. Glottis
B. Windpipe
C. Epiglottis
D. Bronchiole

Answer 1

Hint: Glottis is the opening of the larynx (voice box) and is protected by a flap-like structure during swallowing. It is a leaf-shaped structure between the larynx and the base of the tongue.

Complete answer:
Starting from the first process of digestion – mastication which in simpler words is chewing. This is breaking the larger parts of food into smaller pieces with the help of our teeth. Then comes swallowing (deglutition), it is an important part of the digestion process. It includes the transportation of food from the mouth to the stomach. The main tube from the mouth to stomach is the oesophagus which follows the rhythmic peristaltic movement. Food mixed with saliva and mucus is called bolus.

Salivary glands present in our mouth secrete saliva and mucus to priorly digest some of the carbohydrates itself in the mouth. During deglutition, the bolus will pass through the pharynx (throat) and then to the oesophagus.

The food might accidentally enter the trachea (windpipe). So there is present a flap-like cartilaginous tissue which will prevent the entry of liquid or food into the windpipe. This tissue is Epiglottis.

Epiglottis will close the path to the larynx (voice box) and will avoid any kind of choking.

So the answer is the option C: Epiglottis

Note: Glottis is the opening of the larynx on which the epiglottis falls to close it.
The windpipe is the tracheal tract leading throat to the lungs.
Bronchioles are the branching from the bronchi in the lungs. They will transport air to the alveoli where the exchange of gases will take place.