Humans cannot breathe and swallow at the same time.

The pharynx is the part of the throat where the paths for breathing and eating meet. When you breathe, a cartilage flap called the epiglottis stays open. This lets air flow into the trachea, also known as the windpipe.When you swallow, your brain triggers a reflex. The larynx moves up and the epiglottis folds down. This seals the opening to your lungs. Food is then forced into the esophagus, which leads to the stomach.Human babies are actually born with the ability to breathe and swallow at once. Their larynx is higher in the throat. This allows the epiglottis to create a seal that keeps the airway open while milk passes by.Between 3 and 6 months of age, the larynx moves lower in the neck. This change stops the ability to breathe and swallow together. Scientists believe this lower position is what allows humans to make the complex sounds needed for speech.This anatomy is unique to humans. Other primates do not have a larynx that sits this low. While it increases the risk of choking, it is the reason we can talk.