Final answer:
In infants and toddlers, the tongue and epiglottis are b) positioned higher in the throat compared to adults, which assists in simultaneous breathing and swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
In infants and toddlers, the tongue and epiglottis are positioned higher in the throat relative to those of an adult. The higher position of the epiglottis and the tongue in infants and toddlers is an anatomical feature that helps these young children breathe and swallow at the same time. As they grow, these structures descend to the adult position. The epiglottis plays a critical role in protecting the airway during swallowing. In both children and adults, when swallowing occurs, the tongue pushes backwards, causing the epiglottis to cover the opening to the larynx, preventing food from entering the trachea. However, the relatively higher positioning of the epiglottis in young children makes them more prone to choking. Foods that can adapt their shape to that of the pharynx, such as bananas and marshmallows, may pose a choking hazard.