PATHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The common passage for food and air is called pharynx. It opens into the wind pipe or trachea. The opening of pharynx into the trachea is guarded by the flap like structure called epiglottis which prevents the entry of food in the respiratory tract.

Detailed explanation-2: -A small flap of tissue called the epiglottis (eh-pih-GLAH-tus) protects the larynx. When we swallow, the epiglottis covers the larynx to prevent food and liquid from going into the lungs.

Detailed explanation-3: -A cartilaginous flap called epiglottis specifically prevents the entry of food into the glottis (opening of the windpipe) during swallowing.