Which structure protects the windpipe during swallowing?

The epiglottis is the structure that protects the windpipe during swallowing. It is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue and is part of the larynx. When you swallow, the epiglottis folds down over the trachea (windpipe) to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway. This mechanism ensures that the respiratory tract is sealed off, allowing the food to pass safely into the esophagus without the risk of aspiration into the lungs. This protective function is crucial for maintaining a clear airway during the act of swallowing, helping to prevent choking and respiratory complications.

The other structures mentioned—thyroid cartilage, maxilla, and cricoid cartilage—play different roles in the body. The thyroid cartilage is part of the laryngeal framework that helps protect the vocal cords; the maxilla forms the upper jaw and contributes to the formation of the face; while the cricoid cartilage forms a complete ring around the trachea. None of these structures provide the specific protective function of covering the windpipe during swallowing like the epiglottis does.