GROSS ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The palatopharyngeus muscle closes the laryngeal airway during swallowing to prevent the aspiration of food. The musculus uvulae muscle derives from the palatine aponeurosis and the posterior nasal spine and attaches to the mucous membrane of the uvula.

Detailed explanation-2: -The uvula is elevated to prevent food from entering the nasopharynx. The epiglottis drops downward to prevent food from entering the larynx and trachea in order to direct the food into the esophagus.

Detailed explanation-3: -The oral cavity is sealed posteriorly by the soft palate and tongue contact to prevent the liquid bolus leaking into the oropharynx before the swallow.

Detailed explanation-4: -A small muscular flap called the epiglottis closes to prevent food and liquid from going down the “wrong pipe”-your windpipe (trachea). Another small flap called the uvula helps prevent liquid from passing upward into your nasal cavity.

Detailed explanation-5: -The soft flap of tissue that hangs down at the back of the mouth (at the edge of the soft palate). Also called palatine uvula. Anatomy of the oral cavity.