Answer:
A person with a malformed epiglottis will have trouble keeping food and fluid from entering the lungs.
Explanation:
Epiglottis, a flap of tissue (leaf-shaped structure) made of elastic cartilage is found inside the throat. It is attached to the larynx entrance and acts as a valve that keeps the food from entering the trachea (windpipe) and the lungs.
During breathing, it opens and allows the passage of air into the larynx and trachea. It closes during swallowing and allows the food and fluids to pass through the esophagus towards the stomach. Thus, it prevents the passage of food into the trachea and lungs (aspiration).
The malformed epiglottis or inflammation in epiglottis (epiglottitis) can cause the passing of food into trachea which may lead to airway obstruction or pneumonia or death.
