How do you swallow food?

When we eat, it’s important that food does not enter our airways and make us choke. So as we swallow, the body automatically closes off the airways in the throat and nose.  A flap of tissue called the epiglottis drops over the entrance to the windpipe. The soft palate lifts up to block access to the nasal cavity, too.

Chewing food

While we chew food, we can still breathe because the positions of the epiglottis and soft palate allow air in through the nose. As we prepare to swallow, the tongue pushes the food back into the throat.

Swallowing

As the food hits the back of the throat, it triggers a reflex action in the body. The soft palate rises to block the nasal cavity, while the epiglottis folds down to cover the windpipe. The food is directed safely down the oesophagus, towards the stomach.

 

Picture Credit : Google