Which structure helps to prevent a bolus of food from entering the trachea during deglutition (swallowing)?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that covers the trachea during swallowing, preventing food from entering the airway.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Absorption is the process by which nutrients are taken up from the GI tract into the bloodstream.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The ventral surface of the hard palate is covered by stratified squamous epithelium that is keratinized (often parakeratinized) to withstand mechanical stress from food. Pseudostratified columnar epithelium is found in respiratory regions, not here.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Filiform papillae are covered by parakeratinized epithelium and are numerous on the anterior tongue, but they do not carry taste buds or have Von Ebner's glands.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Taste buds are absent in the esophagus; they are present on the tongue, soft palate, and epiglottis for taste perception.