Question

____ controls the movement of food and air towards their respective passages.

• A. Epiglottis
• B. Pharynx
• C. Nasal cavity
• D. Trachea

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this problem, we need to identify the structure that controls the movement of food and air into their respective passages.

1. Understanding the Function:
In humans, the respiratory and digestive systems share a common pathway in the pharynx. Therefore, there must be a mechanism to direct food into the esophagus and air into the trachea.

2. Identifying the Structure:
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the opening of the trachea (windpipe) during swallowing, preventing food from entering the respiratory tract. During breathing, the epiglottis remains open, allowing air into the trachea.

3. Evaluating Options:
(1) Epiglottis – Correct, controls movement of food and air.
(2) Pharynx – Incorrect, common pathway but does not control movement.
(3) Nasal cavity – Incorrect, involved only in air passage.
(4) Trachea – Incorrect, air passage but does not control direction of food.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (A) Epiglottis.