Pharynx vs. Epiglottis: Airway Protection During Swallowing
The epiglottis—not the pharynx—prevents food/liquid from entering the airway.
- Pharynx: Shared muscular conduit for air (nasopharynx/oropharynx) and food (oropharynx/hypopharynx)
- Epiglottis: Leaf-shaped cartilage; folds down over laryngeal inlet during swallowing (laryngeal elevation + hyoid movement) → directs bolus to esophagus
Failure → aspiration → pneumonia, airway obstruction.
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