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The name of the structure at the top of the esophagus is the "epiglottis". This structure is very important in protecting the vocal cords, trachea, and the lungs. It does this by covering the opening to the vocal cords and making an airtight seal. It also holds air in our lungs so we can form a cough, and produce extra pressure in our lungs, called "peep" (positive end expiratory pressure). So, it is actually a very important organ.

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12y ago

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What is the small flap found at the top of the esophagus?

Epiglottis


What flap diverts food and water from the respiratory structure into the esophagus?

Epiglottis


The flap that covers the trachea?

The flap that covers the trachea is called the epiglottis. Its main function is to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea when swallowing, ensuring these substances go down the esophagus instead.


Is the flap to the esophagus up or down when food moves from the oral cavity to the stomach?

Down, the flap that I think you're referring to is the epiglottis which closes of your respiratory airway when you swallow so food is directed down the esophagus instead.


What is the function of the flap of skin called the epiglottis between the trachea and the esophagus?

The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that closes over the trachea when we swallow to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway. Its main function is to direct food and liquids into the esophagus, which leads to the stomach, instead of the trachea, which leads to the lungs.


The flap of tissue that closes when you swallow to protect you from choking?

It is called the Epiglottis. If you talk while eating, your epiglottis and your esophagus are open, so instead of going down the esophagus, it goes down the epiglottis. Have you ever heard someone say 'It went down the wrong tube' when you choke? This is what they mean.


What is the tube that branches off of the esophagus?

The organ that branches off in front of the esophagus is the pharynx.


How does Esophagus function with trachia?

Okay if I get what you are saying, there is a little flap called the epiglottis that switches between covering the esophagus and trachia. When you are eating food this flap covers the trachia so you don't get food in your lungs (that would be very bad) and when you're just breathing normally the epiglottis covers your esophagus so you can actually breath. I you think you have a problem with your epiglottis then go to the doctor immediately. Hoped this answered your question. If not well you just learned something new today! ^_^


What makes sure the food goes down your esophagus?

The process of swallowing ensures that food goes down the esophagus. When you swallow, a series of coordinated muscle contractions called peristalsis moves the food bolus from the throat into the esophagus. Additionally, a flap of tissue called the epiglottis prevents food from entering the windpipe, directing it instead toward the esophagus. This combination of muscle action and anatomical structures ensures that food reaches the stomach efficiently.


Where do your esophagus and windpipe meet?

The esophagus and windpipe meet at a point called the pharynx, specifically at the laryngopharynx, which is the lower part of the pharynx located behind the larynx (voice box). The esophagus then continues down to the stomach, while the windpipe leads to the lungs.


The esophagus and trachea are both open to the?

The esophagus and trachea open into the throat and mouth.


What is a Pedicle flap also called?

It is also called an attached flap.