It's A Fact! - part 2

The pharynx actually has two apertures - one opening into the windpipe and the other into the oesophagus. The aperture opening into the windpipe is guarded by a flap - like structure called the epiglottis. It closes the windpipe when you swallow food, so that the food particles do not enter it. If food or water ever enters the windpipe, you cough it out. This is the body's method of removing the food or water from it.