A person takes a drink of water and begins to
choke. The water has gotten into the person's
windpipe. Which part of the upper respiratory
system is supposed to prevent this?
larynx
nasal cavity
pharynx
nose
A flap of tissue called the epiglottis sits over the top of the trachea. This flap blocks food and drink from going down into the trachea when you swallow. But in some cases, food or drink can enter the trachea. It may go down as you swallow.
