THORAX ABDOMEN AND PELVIS

Detailed explanation-1: -The epiglottis is usually upright at rest allowing air to pass into the larynx and lungs. When a person swallows the epiglottis folds backward to cover the entrance of the larynx so food and liquid do not enter the windpipe and lungs. After swallowing the epiglottis returns to its original upright position.

Detailed explanation-2: -The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped structure that projects upward behind the root of the tongue, in front of the entrance to the larynx. When you swallow, the aryepiglottic and thyroepiglottic muscles pull down the epiglottis to close the entry to the larynx, preventing anything from entering the trachea.

Detailed explanation-3: -It stays open during breathing, allowing air into the larynx. During swallowing, it closes to prevent aspiration of food into the lungs, forcing the swallowed liquids or food to go along the oesophagus toward the stomach instead. It is thus the valve that diverts passage to either the trachea or the oesophagus.