Questions: The structure that prevents food from entering the larynx is the: tongue. uvula. pharynx. epiglottis. soft palate.

The answer is the fourth one: epiglottis.

Explanation for each option:

1. Tongue: The tongue is primarily responsible for manipulating food in the mouth and aiding in swallowing, but it does not prevent food from entering the larynx.

2. Uvula: The uvula is a small fleshy extension at the back of the soft palate that helps in speech and swallowing, but it does not directly prevent food from entering the larynx.

3. Pharynx: The pharynx is a part of the throat that serves as a pathway for both air and food, but it does not specifically prevent food from entering the larynx.

4. Epiglottis: The epiglottis is a flap of tissue that covers the opening of the larynx during swallowing, effectively preventing food and liquid from entering the airway. This is the correct answer.

5. Soft palate: The soft palate is the muscular part of the roof of the mouth that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity during swallowing, but it does not prevent food from entering the larynx.

In summary, the epiglottis is the structure that prevents food from entering the larynx during swallowing.