Question

in the process of swallowing, food cannot normally enter the trachea because the ________. multiple choice tongue directs the flow of food down the esophagus and away from the trachea esophageal sphincter shuts off the passage to the larynx epiglottis covers the larynx trachea does not connect to the esophagus

Explanation:

During swallowing, the epiglottis, a flap - like structure, covers the larynx (voice box) to prevent food from entering the trachea (windpipe). The tongue helps in moving food towards the pharynx but is not the main structure preventing food from entering the trachea. The esophageal sphincter is related to the passage between the esophagus and the stomach, not directly to preventing food from entering the trachea. While the trachea and esophagus are separate structures, it is the epiglottis that actively blocks the trachea during swallowing.

Answer:

C. epiglottis covers the larynx