The pharynx is the structure in the body that serves as a pathway of both air and food. How does the body make sure that food does not get into the lungs? The salivary glands secrete enzymes that pull food out of the air pathway. The small intestine pushes the air out of the digestive system. The pancreas breaks down food in the air pathway. The epiglottis closes the air pathway so that food will not enter it.

Question

Carmen White

Biology

3 January, 01:03

The pharynx is the structure in the body that serves as a pathway of both air and food. How does the body make sure that food does not get into the lungs? The salivary glands secrete enzymes that pull food out of the air pathway. The small intestine pushes the air out of the digestive system. The pancreas breaks down food in the air pathway. The epiglottis closes the air pathway so that food will not enter it.

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Danielle English · Answer 1

The larynx is the airway passage to the lungs. When you swallow, the larynx rises, causing the cartilaginous epiglottis to tip over the opening of the larynx, which guards the larynx during swallowing. The food mass now enters the esophagus, which is a muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach.