True. The epiglottis is a piece of cartilage which acts as a valve at the entrance to the trachea. The trachea is the tube connecting the mouth and lungs through which breathing occurs. The esophagus is the tube connecting the mouth and the stomach through which food must be swallowed.
When a person is breathing, the epiglottis is open and allows air to pass into the trachea. However, when a person swallows the epiglottis seals off the trachea. Food is then prevented from entering the trachea and instead forced down the esophagus as the person finishes swallowing.
Food which incorrectly enters the trachea is said to have been aspirated. This can occur when a person eats too fast. Aspiration is an unpleasant sensation which will trigger a coughing reflex to expel the food from the trachea.
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