Question

What might happen if the epiglottis remains open while the food is being swallowed?

A.
The food would be completely digested in the mouth.

B.
The food would remain in the mouth.

C.
The food would go into the trachea and cause coughing.

D.
The food would enter the esophagus.

Answer 1

C. The food would go into the trachea and cause coughing.

The epiglottis normally closes over the trachea during swallowing to direct food into the esophagus; if it stays open, food can enter the airway, triggering coughing or choking (aspiration).