Which structure surrounds and protects the glottis?

• A. Epiglottis
• B. Trachea
• C. Larynx
• D. Esophagus

Answer: (C)

The main concept is identifying the airway structure that encases the glottis. The glottis is the opening between the vocal folds located within the larynx. The larynx forms a cartilaginous box around this opening, protecting the airway and housing the vocal cords. The epiglottis plays a protective role by covering the glottis during swallowing, but it does not surround the opening by itself. The trachea lies below the larynx and serves as the main airway after the glottis, while the esophagus runs posterior to the trachea and handles food passage. So, the structure that surrounds and protects the glottis is the larynx.