The is a small flap of tissue that closes the windpipe when you swallow food to keep you from choking

Answer 1

The small flap of tissue that closes the windpipe when you swallow food is called the epiglottis. Its main function is to prevent food and liquid from entering the respiratory tract and choking. The epiglottis covers the opening of the windpipe, or trachea, during swallowing to direct the food towards the esophagus and into the stomach. After swallowing is complete, the epiglottis returns to its normal position, allowing air to pass through the windpipe and into the lungs for breathing.