What happens if food or liquid touches the vestibular folds or glottis?

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Multiple Choice

What happens if food or liquid touches the vestibular folds or glottis?

Touching the vestibular folds or glottis irritates the laryngeal mucosa, triggering the cough reflex. Sensory receptors in this area send signals via the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (a vagal branch) to the brainstem. In response, the airway is protected by a rapid sequence: the glottis closes to build pressure, then air is forcefully expelled through the glottis to blow out the irritant or food particle. This reflex is specifically about clearing material from the airway and preventing aspiration. Swallowing is a different protective action that involves coordinated movement of the tongue and pharynx to push a bolus into the esophagus, and sneezing involves nasal irritation. Breathing pauses can occur during swallowing but are not the immediate reflex caused by laryngeal contact.

Touching the vestibular folds or glottis irritates the laryngeal mucosa, triggering the cough reflex. Sensory receptors in this area send signals via the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (a vagal branch) to the brainstem. In response, the airway is protected by a rapid sequence: the glottis closes to build pressure, then air is forcefully expelled through the glottis to blow out the irritant or food particle. This reflex is specifically about clearing material from the airway and preventing aspiration.

Swallowing is a different protective action that involves coordinated movement of the tongue and pharynx to push a bolus into the esophagus, and sneezing involves nasal irritation. Breathing pauses can occur during swallowing but are not the immediate reflex caused by laryngeal contact.

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