The pharynx is the structure in the body that serves as a pathway of both air and food. how does the body make sure that food does not get into the lungs? the salivary glands secrete enzymes that pull food out of the air pathway. the small intestine pushes the air out of the digestive system. the pancreas breaks down food in the air pathway. the epiglottis closes the air pathway so that food will not enter it.

The food is prevented to enter lungs as epiglottis closes the air pathway so that food can not enter.

Explanation:

The food we eat is converted into energy and essential nutrients by digestive system. The process of digestion starts from mouth when saliva is mixed with food during chewing. The esophagus is like a stretchy pipe that's about 10 inches (25 centimeters) long. It moves food from the back of your throat to your stomach. At the back of your throat a windpipe is also present, which allows air to come in and out of your body.

When we swallow the food, a leaf shaped cartilaginous structure called Epiglottis closes the wind pipe so that the food can not get to the lungs and cause problem. Once the food enters to the esophagus epiglottis returns to its position.