Epiglottis
A flap of tissue that seals off the windpipe and prevents food from entering.
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue, which prevents food and liquid from entering the airways during swallowing. During swallowing, the muscles of the throat lift the epiglottis to cover the opening of the larynx (voice box) and direct food and liquid into the esophagus (food pipe) and away from the trachea (windpipe) and lungs. When we are not swallowing, the epiglottis stays in an upright position, allowing air to pass through the larynx and enter the lungs for respiration. Dysfunction of the epiglottis can cause aspiration (entry of food or liquid into the airways) and lead to potentially serious respiratory problems, such as pneumonia or choking.
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