New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What prevents foreign matter from entering the trachea?

1. Palate

2. Epiglottis

3. Pharynx

4. Larynx

The correct answer is: Epiglottis

The epiglottis plays a crucial role in preventing foreign matter from entering the trachea during the process of swallowing. It is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue that acts as a gatekeeper for the airway. When a person swallows, the epiglottis folds down to cover the trachea, directing food and liquids into the esophagus. This protective mechanism ensures that substances meant for the digestive system do not accidentally enter the respiratory tract, which could lead to choking or aspiration. The other structures mentioned do not have this specific function. The palate, for instance, primarily separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity and does not prevent foreign matter from entering the airway. The pharynx serves as a passageway for both food and air but does not actively block foreign substances. Similarly, while the larynx is involved in sound production and also plays a role in protecting the airway by initiating a cough reflex when irritants are detected, it does not provide the direct barrier that the epiglottis does during swallowing. Therefore, the epiglottis is essential for safeguarding the trachea from unwanted material entering during the act of eating or drinking.