Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a thin, lid-like flap of cartilage tissue covered with a mucous membrane, attached to the root of the tongue, that guards the entrance of the glottis, the opening between the vocal cords. It is normally pointed upward, but when swallowing, solids or liquids stimulate sensors which folds down the epiglottis, and prevents food that should go into the oesophagus and stomach from passing into the trachea (windpipe). The epiglottis is one of three large cartilaginous structures that make up the larynx (voice box).

Related Topics:
Cartilage - Mucous membrane - Tongue - Glottis - Vocal cords - Oesophagus - Stomach - Trachea - Larynx

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