Question

when you swallow, does the epiglottis cover the opening of the trachea or the opening of the esophagus?

Answer 1

To summarize, when we swallow food, the food pushes on the soft palate, sealing off the nasal cavity and preventing food from entering the nose. The food then begins to slide down the esophagus. The swallowing reflex raises the larynx up under the epiglottis as the ball of food pushes down the epiglottis, sealing off the trachea; then the esophageal sphincter relaxes so the food passes through the esophagus. I hope this helps you! :D