Question

Imagine that you are dining with your friend in a hotel. Suddenly your friend starts coughing while swallowing food. This coughing is attributed to the improper movement of...

• A. Epiglottis
• B. Ribs
• C. Palate
• D. Diaphragm

Hint:

The epiglottis plays a crucial role in protecting the respiratory tract by preventing food from entering the windpipe during swallowing.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

When food is swallowed, it needs to pass through the esophagus into the stomach. The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that prevents food and liquids from entering the windpipe (trachea) and directs them to the esophagus.

If the epiglottis fails to close properly during swallowing, food may enter the trachea and cause a coughing reflex to clear the airway. This is the cause of coughing during swallowing.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (A): Epiglottis.