Answer: C - The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped structure that prevents food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing.
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that acts as a gatekeeper to the windpipe (trachea) and lungs. When a person swallows, the epiglottis flips upward and covers the entrance to the trachea, directing food and liquids down the esophagus and into the stomach. This helps prevent choking and aspiration by keeping food and liquid out of the airways. The movement of the epiglottis is coordinated with the swallowing reflex, ensuring that the airway is protected during the act of swallowing.
