Question

A person suddenly starts coughing while swallowing food. This coughing would have been due to improper movement of

• A. Tongue
• B. Epiglottis
• C. Diaphragm
• D. Neck

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The correct answer is:

Option 2: Epiglottis

Explanation:

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that covers the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing. Its role is to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea and the lungs. When the epiglottis does not function properly (e.g., it fails to close the trachea correctly during swallowing), food or liquid may accidentally enter the airway, causing a person to cough.

If food or liquid enters the trachea (windpipe) instead of the esophagus, it triggers the body's cough reflex to clear the airway, leading to coughing.

Thus, improper movement of the epiglottis would cause coughing during swallowing.

Answer 2

When a person coughs while swallowing food, it indicates that the food has entered the trachea (windpipe) instead of the esophagus (food pipe). This is typically caused by a failure of the Epiglottis to properly cover the trachea during swallowing.

Here's why:

• Epiglottis: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue. During swallowing, it folds over the trachea to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway.
• Tongue: While the tongue helps in propelling food towards the back of the mouth, its primary role is not to prevent food from entering the trachea.
• Diaphragm: The diaphragm is the primary muscle of respiration and has no direct role in swallowing or preventing food from entering the trachea.
• Neck: The neck provides structural support, but is not directly responsible for the swallowing mechanism that directs food away from the trachea.

Therefore, the correct answer is Epiglottis.