During swallowing, which action occurs to protect the airway?

• A. Vocal Folds Abduction
• B. Vocal Folds Adduction
• C. Epiglottis Inversion
• D. Laryngeal Elevation Without Airway Protection

Answer: (B)

During swallowing, protecting the airway hinges on closing the glottal opening. The vocal folds come together (adduct) to form a tight seal at the airway, created by the intrinsic laryngeal adductor muscles. This glottic closure is the primary barrier that prevents material from entering the trachea as the bolus passes. At the same time, other protective processes—such as the epiglottis flipping over the laryngeal inlet and the larynx elevating—support this protection, but the key action that directly seals the airway is vocal fold adduction. Opening the folds (abduction) would opposite this protection, and while epiglottis inversion helps shield the airway, it is not the act of bringing the vocal folds together.