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Like in humans, it functions to prevent entry of food into the trachea during swallowing. [17] The position of the larynx is flat in mice and other rodents, as well as rabbits. [4] For this reason, because the epiglottis is located behind the soft palate in rabbits, they are obligate nose breathers, [18] [19] as are mice and other rodents. [4]
During swallowing, food passes from the mouth through the pharynx into the esophagus. The epiglottis folds down to a more horizontal position to direct the food into the esophagus, and away from the trachea. Once in the esophagus, the bolus travels down to the stomach via rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles known as peristalsis. The ...
(The conducting zone—which also includes the nostrils of the nose, the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles—filters, warms and moistens air and conducts it into the lungs). [1] The human pharynx is conventionally divided into three sections: the nasopharynx , oropharynx , and laryngopharynx .
Swallowing is an important part of eating and drinking. If the process fails and the material (such as food, drink, or medicine) goes through the trachea, then choking or pulmonary aspiration can occur. In the human body the automatic temporary closing of the epiglottis is controlled by the swallowing reflex.
A fluoroscopic swallow study can be done in cases where dysphagia or motility disorders are thought to be the source of aspiration. Food and drink are mixed with barium contrast and monitored using x-ray to evaluate swallowing. Aspiration can be diagnosed if contrast is seen coursing below the vocal cords into the trachea. [13]
After being swallowed, food moves through the gastrointestinal tract by means of peristalsis: the systematic expansion and contraction of muscles to push food from one area to the next. [27] [28] Digestion begins in the mouth, which chews food into smaller pieces for easier digestion.
Upper and lower human gastrointestinal tract. The esophagus (American English), oesophagus (British English), or œsophagus (archaic spelling) (see spelling difference) all / iː ˈ s ɒ f ə ɡ ə s, ɪ-/; [1] pl.: ((o)e)(œ)sophagi or ((o)e)(œ)sophaguses), colloquially known also as the food pipe, food tube, or gullet, is an organ in vertebrates through which food passes, aided by ...
The lungs' interiors are open to the outside air and being elastic, therefore expand to fill the increased space, pleura fluid between double-layered pleura covering of lungs helps in reducing friction while lungs expand and contract. The inflow of air into the lungs occurs via the respiratory airways (Fig. 2).