Q.
Which of the following structures close the glottis during swallowing to prevent the entry of food into wind pipe?
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Breathing and Exchange of Gases
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Solution:
Epiglottis is a leaf shaped cartilage that closes the glottis (opening leading into trachea) to check the entry of food into it during swallowing. If during eating, epiglottis remains open, then food particles may enter the trachea (wind pipe) leading to reflex action of coughing. This removes the food particles from trachea so that breathing does not get obstructed.