What Keeps Food From Entering Your Lungs?

The anatomy of the throat helps keep the lungs free of food debris.

The larynx, epiglottis and hyoid bone, structures of the throat, move when a person swallows to protect the lungs. This mechanism allows food to enter the esophagus, leading to the stomach, rather than the airway leading to the lungs.

The Larynx

The vocal cords of the larynx, or voice box, which forms the opening of the airway leading into the lungs, close together when a person swallows. This completely blocks off the trachea, or airway, so that no food particles can enter the lungs.

The Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a structure of cartilage and mucous membrane located at the back of the throat. It is attached to the tongue, and situated vertically when a person is at rest or breathing. During swallowing, it folds into a horizontal position to direct food into the esophagus.

The Hyoid Bone

The hyoid bone is located in the neck and attached to the epiglottis. When a person swallows, muscles in the neck lift the hyoid bone, causing the epiglottis to fold down and block off the airway.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Epiglottis:
• Emory University: Pharynx and Larynx