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Ch. 21 The Respiratory System
Amerman - Human Anatomy & Physiology 2nd Edition
Amerman2nd EditionHuman Anatomy & PhysiologyISBN: 9780136873822Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksAmerman 2nd EditionCh. 21 The Respiratory SystemProblem 4
Chapter 21, Problem 4

The function of the epiglottis is to:
a. Contract muscularly to cover the laryngopharynx
b. Vibrate to produce sound
c. Trigger a cough reflex
d. Cover the glottis during swallowing

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the anatomical location and structure of the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap of elastic cartilage located at the entrance of the larynx, above the glottis.
Step 2: Understand the primary function of the epiglottis. Its role is to prevent food and liquid from entering the respiratory tract during swallowing.
Step 3: Analyze the swallowing process. During swallowing, the epiglottis folds down to cover the glottis (the opening to the larynx) to ensure that food and liquid are directed into the esophagus instead of the trachea.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on the function of the epiglottis. For example, the epiglottis does not contract muscularly, vibrate to produce sound, or trigger a cough reflex. These functions are associated with other structures like the vocal cords or the larynx.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is related to the epiglottis covering the glottis during swallowing, as this aligns with its anatomical role in protecting the airway.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Epiglottis Function

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the root of the tongue. Its primary function is to prevent food and liquid from entering the trachea during swallowing. When swallowing occurs, the epiglottis folds down to cover the glottis, ensuring that the airway is protected and directing the food towards the esophagus.
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Swallowing Mechanism

Swallowing is a complex process that involves the coordinated action of various muscles and structures in the throat. It consists of three phases: the oral phase, where food is chewed and formed into a bolus; the pharyngeal phase, where the bolus is pushed into the throat; and the esophageal phase, where it moves down the esophagus. The epiglottis plays a crucial role in the pharyngeal phase by sealing off the airway.
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Glottis

The glottis is the part of the larynx that contains the vocal cords and the opening between them. It is essential for sound production and plays a role in breathing. During swallowing, the glottis must be covered by the epiglottis to prevent aspiration, which is the entry of food or liquid into the airway, potentially leading to choking or respiratory issues.
Related Practice
Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The epithelium of the oropharynx changes from stratified columnar epithelium to simple squamous epithelium to enable it to resist abrasion from food.

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Textbook Question

Which of the following statements about pulmonary ventilation is false?

a. Normal expiration requires the use of the expiratory muscles to decrease lung volume.

b. The inspiratory muscles increase lung volume, which decreases intrapulmonary pressure.

c. For inspiration to occur, intrapulmonary pressure must decrease below atmospheric pressure.

d. The intrapleural pressure is less than the intrapulmonary pressure; this prevents the lungs from collapsing during expiration.

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Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The framework of the larynx is formed by nine pieces of cartilage, the largest of which is the thyroid cartilage.

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Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium of the respiratory tract warms, filters, and humidifies the inspired air.

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Textbook Question

Match each term with the correct definition. 

Airway resistance     

Surface tension     

Surfactant     

Pulmonary compliance     

V/Q ratio

a. A detergent-like chemical secreted by bronchial smooth muscle that reduces surface tension

b. The matching of ventilation to perfusion

c. Largely determined by the diameter of the airways

d. Caused by the formation of hydrogen bonds between water molecules

e. Determined by the surface tension of the alveoli, the elastic tissue of the lungs, and the condition of the chest wall

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Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

The functional residual capacity is the volume of air normally left in the lungs after a tidal expiration.

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