What structure closes off the nasal passages during swallowing?

What structure closes off the nasal passages during swallowing?

• A. Soft palate
• B. Uvula
• C. Tongue
• D. Epiglottis

Answer: (A)

During swallowing, the soft palate rises to seal off the nasopharynx, forming a barrier between the nasal cavity and the oropharynx. This prevents food or liquid from entering the nasal passages. The uvula is a projection from the soft palate and helps reinforce this seal, but the main structure responsible is the soft palate itself. The tongue moves the bolus toward the pharynx, and the epiglottis protects the airway by covering the laryngeal inlet, not the nasal passages.

During swallowing, the soft palate rises to seal off the nasopharynx, forming a barrier between the nasal cavity and the oropharynx. This prevents food or liquid from entering the nasal passages. The uvula is a projection from the soft palate and helps reinforce this seal, but the main structure responsible is the soft palate itself. The tongue moves the bolus toward the pharynx, and the epiglottis protects the airway by covering the laryngeal inlet, not the nasal passages.