A person takes a drink of water and begins to choke. The water has gotten into the person’s windpipe. Which part of the upper respiratory system is supposed to prevent this?

The epiglottis is a flap that normally closes over the opening to the windpipe when you swallow, helping keep water out. It is part of the larynx, so the correct choice is larynx. Choking occurs when water enters the windpipe instead of going down the esophagus.

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