Question

Two friends are eating together in a dining table. One of them suddenly starts coughing while swallowing some food. This coughing would have been due to the improper movement of (a) Tongue (b) Epiglottis (c) Diaphragm (d) Neck

Short answer

The cause of sudden coughing while swallowing can be related to an improper movement of the Epiglottis (Option b).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Human Anatomy Involved in Swallowing and Coughing

The swallowing reflex involves several parts of the body, including the tongue that pushes the food down, the diaphragm, neck, but mainly the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flap that closes off the windpipe to prevent food from entering it during swallowing.

Linking the Coughing Reflex with the Bodily Function

The coughing reflex is triggered when an unwanted element, like food, experiences an improper movement and ends up going down the wrong pipe - the windpipe. The cough is a way the body protects itself from choking.

Identifying the Cause of Coughing

Given the anatomy and function of the epiglottis, it is apparent that if its movement is improper during the swallowing process - not closing off the windpipe correctly - food may go down the wrong way, triggering a cough reflex.

Key concepts

Epiglottis Function

The epiglottis is a vital part of the human body's internal defense against choking. It acts like a small, physical gatekeeper when you swallow food or liquid. Situated just above the larynx, its main role is to ensure that food and liquids are directed towards the esophagus rather than entering the windpipe.

When you swallow, the epiglottis springs into action. It flips down to cover the entrance of the windpipe, like a lid closing a container. This prevents food from mistakenly slipping into the airways, which could lead to choking. The tongue plays a pivotal role as well, as it pushes the food towards the back of the mouth, aiding in closing off the airway with the help of the epiglottis.

• The epiglottis' role is crucial for the proper swallowing mechanism.
• It prevents infections and respiratory issues by keeping foreign particles out of the windpipe.
• Improper functioning can lead to serious choking hazards.

Cough Reflex

The cough reflex is the body's rapid defense mechanism to clear the respiratory tract. It acts as a protective response when something irritates the throat or windpipe.

In the context of swallowing, if food or liquid goes down the wrong way - because the epiglottis didn't close properly - the body responds by coughing. This reflex aims to dislodge any particles that are threatening to enter the lungs. It's a forceful action involving rapid air expulsion which helps clear obstructions from the throat and air passages.

• Coughing acts as a safeguard to prevent respiratory blockages.
• It is an involuntary action that occurs almost instantly when needed.
• It helps protect the lungs from possible infections by removing irritants.

Human Anatomy of Swallowing

The swallowing reflex is a complex process that requires the coordinated effort of several structures. It involves the mouth, tongue, throat muscles, and most importantly, the epiglottis.

The process begins once food is chewed and formed into a bolus by the tongue. The tongue then moves this bolus toward the back of the mouth, stimulating the swallowing reflex. As the bolus moves down, the epiglottis acts quickly to cover the larynx, preventing food from entering the respiratory tract.

This coordination is crucial, as even a minor malfunction can lead to food entering the windpipe, causing choking. Key players in this process include:

• The tongue, which helps in forming and pushing the food.
• The pharyngeal muscles, assisting in the rapid movement past the throat.
• The epiglottis, which controls the access to airways, shielding them during swallowing.

Understanding the human anatomy of swallowing allows us to appreciate the delicate and essential dance that takes place with each bite of food we consume.