Question #e9156
1 Answer
Biologically speaking, a person with a epiglottis cut off cannot be able to swallow food.
In anatomy, the epiglottis is a small flap of tissue which divides the trachea and the esophagus. When we eat, the epiglottis covers the trachea a little bit to permit the enter of food to the esophagus. After that, the epiglottis once again opens to permit intake and outtake of gases, namely oxygen and carbon dioxide respectively.
In that case, if a person has its epiglottis cut off, there could be a danger of food entering the trachea and contaminate the lungs. So, in order for the person to eat, a tube is needed to be passed through the esophagus, and only liquid foods (or even those liquidated) are permitted.
I hope you were enlightened with this.
Thank you!
