What happens during normal ...

[Frost2351]

What happens during normal swallowing?

Question 2

What are the functions of the larynx?

[ErinKing]

Answer to Question 1

Normal swallowing involves the following:

 The larynx elevates.
 The epiglottis folds down to protect the airway from food and liquid.
 The food and liquid pass over the back of the tongue, through the valleculae, into the pyriform sinuses, and into the esophagus.
 The valleculae are like tiny valleys formed by the membrane between the tongue and epiglottis.

Answer to Question 2

The functions of the larynx are to produce phonation, clamp the airway to prevent intrusion by foreign objects such as food or liquids, propel foreign matter away from the airway opening, and enable people to hold their breath so that they can swim, lift, or have a child.

[Frost2351]

Great answer, keep it coming

[zacnyjessica]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it