The leaf-shaped flap of tissue that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing is called the:

• A. Uvula
• B. Epiglottis
• C. Larynx
• D. Pharynx

Answer: (B)

When you swallow, the airway is protected by a leaf-shaped flap at the top of the larynx called the epiglottis. It acts like a lid, folding down to cover the opening of the trachea as food or liquid passes, so nothing goes into the airway. Once the swallow finishes, the epiglottis returns to its upright position to reopen the airway for breathing. The other structures have different roles: the uvula hangs from the soft palate and helps with speech and preventing nasal regurgitation; the larynx is the voice box that houses the vocal cords and regulates airflow; the pharynx is the throat passageway for both air and food but is not a protective flap.