Final answer:
Laryngospasm is the spasmodic closure of the vocal cords that seals off the airway, preventing aspiration of food. During swallowing, the soft palate, uvula, and epiglottis work together to block access to the trachea. If food enters the trachea, it triggers a cough reflex to expel the food out of the larynx.
Step-by-step explanation:
The spasmodic closure of the vocal cords, which seals off the airway, is known as Laryngospasm. During swallowing, the soft palate and uvula rise to close off the entrance to the nasopharynx, while the larynx is pulled superiorly and the epiglottis folds inferiorly, covering the glottis (the opening to the larynx). This process effectively blocks access to the trachea and bronchi to prevent aspiration of food. When food goes down the wrong way and enters the trachea, it causes a cough reflex to expel the food out of the larynx and back into the throat.