Final answer:
The vocal folds are abducted during swallowing. When food is swallowed, the epiglottis closes over the entrance to the larynx, protecting the trachea from aspirated food. If material does enter the larynx, it triggers a cough reflex to expel it out of the larynx.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vocal folds are abducted during swallowing. When swallowing occurs, the backward motion of the tongue forces a flap called the epiglottis to close over the entrance to the larynx, protecting the trachea from aspirated food. If swallowed material does start to enter the larynx, it stimulates a strong cough reflex to expel it out of the larynx and into the throat.