What is the role of the larynx in ventilation?

• A. Prevents food and liquids from entering the trachea
• B. Enhances the ability to smell
• C. Assists in the exchange of gases
• D. Regulates blood flow in the lungs

Answer: (A)

The role of the larynx in ventilation is primarily to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea. It functions as a protective structure that closes during swallowing to ensure that materials do not enter the respiratory tract. This is crucial for maintaining clear airways and preventing aspiration, which could lead to choking or respiratory infections.

While the larynx plays a minimal role in the actual process of gas exchange—this is primarily done in the alveoli of the lungs—it is essential in maintaining the proper function of the respiratory system as a whole. By preventing foreign objects from entering the trachea, the larynx helps to ensure that the airflow through the respiratory pathways is unobstructed, thereby supporting ventilation.