ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -Listen to pronunciation. (eh-pih-GLAH-tis) The flap that covers the trachea during swallowing so that food does not enter the lungs.

Detailed explanation-2: -The epiglottis is flap of cartilage located in the throat behind the tongue and in front of the larynx. The epiglottis is usually upright at rest allowing air to pass into the larynx and lungs.

Detailed explanation-3: -The opening of the trachea is covered by a muscular flap called the epiglottis. Its main function is to prevent the entry of the food into the windpipe while swallowing.

Detailed explanation-4: -Throat anatomy The throat includes the esophagus; windpipe, also known as the trachea; voice box, also known as the larynx; tonsils; and epiglottis. Epiglottitis happens when the epiglottis-a small cartilage “lid” that covers the windpipe-swells. The swelling blocks the flow of air into the lungs.

Detailed explanation-5: -The epiglottis is also an important landmark for intubation. The epiglottis has been identified as early as Aristotle, and gets its name from being above the glottis (epi-+ glottis).