MICROANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The epiglottis is leaf-like elastic cartilage. Its narrow base is called the stalk (petiolus) and it is attached to the laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage via an elastic ligamentous band called the thyroepiglottic ligament.

Detailed explanation-2: -The epiglottis is usually upright at rest allowing air to pass into the larynx and lungs. When a person swallows the epiglottis folds backward to cover the entrance of the larynx so food and liquid do not enter the windpipe and lungs. After swallowing the epiglottis returns to its original upright position.

Detailed explanation-3: -The epiglottis responds to swallowing in this way because of tiny sensitive nerve endings in the mouth and throat that surround and coat the epiglottis. All of those nerve endings help the brain know when to swallow and have a role in other functions like breathing, eating, sleeping and talking.