Florida Basic Recruit Training Program High Liability (First Aid) Practice Exam

What keeps food and foreign objects from entering the windpipe?

1. Larynx

2. Trachea

3. Pharynx

4. Epiglottis

The correct answer is: Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a crucial structure in the respiratory and digestive systems that plays a key role in preventing food and foreign objects from entering the windpipe, or trachea, during swallowing. It is a flap of tissue located at the base of the tongue, which functions like a lid over the larynx. When you swallow, the epiglottis closes over the larynx to redirect food and liquids into the esophagus, thereby preventing aspiration (the entry of substances into the respiratory tract). This mechanism is essential for protecting the airways and ensuring that the respiratory system remains clear of obstructions that could lead to choking or respiratory complications. By effectively sealing off the windpipe during the act of swallowing, the epiglottis ensures that food travels down the esophagus, allowing for both safe eating and proper breathing. Understanding this function emphasizes the importance of the epiglottis in maintaining overall respiratory health during the intake of solids and liquids.