North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

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Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the primary function of the epiglottis?

To regulate airflow in the lungs
To prevent food and liquid from entering the larynx during swallowing
To assist in producing sound
To filter air entering the respiratory system

The correct answer is: To prevent food and liquid from entering the larynx during swallowing

The primary function of the epiglottis is to prevent food and liquid from entering the larynx during swallowing. This flap of cartilage is located at the root of the tongue and acts as a switch between the esophagus and the trachea. When a person swallows, the epiglottis folds down over the larynx, effectively closing it off and directing food and liquids into the esophagus rather than the airway. This mechanism is crucial for protecting the airway from aspiration and ensuring that breathing and swallowing can occur safely and effectively. The other options highlight functions that are performed by different structures: regulating airflow is primarily a function of the bronchi and bronchioles, producing sound involves the vocal cords located within the larynx, and filtering air is managed by the nasal cavity and respiratory mucosa. Understanding the specific role of the epiglottis helps emphasize the importance of this structure in the swallowing process and airway protection.