Question

Which of the following structures close the glottis during swallowing to prevent the entry of food into the windpipe?
A. Tongue
B. Epiglottis
C. Diaphragm
D. Larynx

Answer 1

Hint: Glottis is present in the pharynx region. It is defined as the narrower part of the larynx and gets opened into the airway. During the swallowing of food, the glottis moves upward. Glottis get opened into windpipes and are responsible for the production of the sound.

Complete Answer:
The common passage that is used to carry food and air is the oropharynx. All food, liquid, and air are carried out through this. Even though the passage of food and water and the passage of air are not connected at the beginning and are separated, that is air enters through the nasal cavity, and water and food enter through the oral cavity. These two passages later get connected to form oropharynx.

Now let us find solution from given options:
- Tongue: Tongue is present in the buccal cavity. It contains a taste bud so it has taste receptors. It detects different tastes.
- Epiglottis: It is defined as a leaf shaped structure. It is a covering or upper lid of glottis that is used to prevent the entry of food into the larynx during swallowing. Hence this option is correct.
- Diaphragm: The contraction of muscle fibres of diaphragm leads to and helps to become flat and lowered down thereby increasing the volume of thoracic cavity in anterior-posterior axis. Hence it plays no role in preventing entry of food in the larynx.
- Larynx: It is also termed as sound/voice box because it is needed in the production of sound. It is composed of cartilage, present at the upper part of trachea. Its upper part is composed of opening, ie., glottis.

Our required option is B that is Epiglottis.

Note: Epiglottis is defined as a single leaf shaped cartilage which projects into the pharynx. Thus, a total of 9 cartilages 3 paired (ii, iv, v) and 3 non paired (i, ii, vi) are present. The thyrohyoid membrane is defined as a broad, flat membrane connected to the hyoid bone above and to the thyroid cartilage below.