Final answer:
During swallowing, the soft palate, uvula, larynx, and epiglottis work together to close the glottis and prevent food from entering the trachea. The vestibular folds and true vocal cords also contribute to this process.
Step-by-step explanation:
During swallowing, several structures work together to close the glottis and prevent food from entering the trachea. The soft palate and uvula rise to close off the entrance to the nasopharynx, while the larynx is pulled upward and the epiglottis folds downward, covering the glottis. Additionally, the vestibular folds and true vocal cords in the larynx contribute to closing the glottis during swallowing.
For example, the epiglottis, a flexible cartilage, rests on the glottis when closed, preventing food from entering the trachea. The vestibular folds, also known as false vocal cords, and the true vocal cords are membranous folds that can close to block access to the trachea. These structures work in coordination to ensure that food and beverages pass through the esophagus and not the trachea during swallowing.