Question

Which is a common passage in swallowing food and breathing?
A. Larynx
B. Gullet
C. Glottis
D. Pharynx

Answer 1

Hint: It is the region behind the mouth, beneath the nasal cavity, and above the oesophagus and larynx. This region of the body is considered to be the common passage in both ingesting food and breathing.

Complete answer: Even though we eat food through our mouth and breathe through our nose, we are also capable of breathing through the mouth as the nasal cavity and the buccal cavity have a common passageway. This region is present behind the mouth and underneath the nasal cavity and is called the pharynx. The pharynx is the connecting region for the buccal and the nasal cavity. The pharynx can be divided into different zones, such as nasopharynx (near the nasal cavity), oropharynx (near the oral cavity), and laryngopharynx (near the larynx). The pharynx near the larynx has a muscular flap called the epiglottis. This flap is where the digestive passage and the respiratory passage separate. The epiglottis will close either one passage to ensure the air is not pumped into the stomach and food isn’t sent into the lungs.
Therefore the correct option is D.

Note: The pharynx is considered a common passageway for both food and air as it is positioned exactly at the junction of the nasal and buccal cavity. The pharynx is lined by several cartilaginous rings to provide structural support. The larynx is the voice box and is the part where the pharynx divides and extends into the esophagus. The epiglottis is placed exactly on the top of the larynx. The major function of the epiglottis is to shuttle food or air to the right passage.