Final answer:
The epiglottis is the anatomical part that protects the lungs by preventing food from entering the larynx and respiratory tract during swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The piece of anatomy that helps protect the lungs from the intrusion of foreign material such as food is the epiglottis. Its primary role is to act as a flap that closes over the entrance to the larynx during swallowing, preventing swallowed material from entering the larynx and moving deeper into the respiratory tract.
The strong cough reflex triggered by any intrusion helps expel foreign materials out of the larynx and into the throat. Furthermore, the nose and nasal cavity, along with the bronchi and alveoli, also offer additional layers of protection for the respiratory system.