What is the epiglottis and what does it do?

In: Human Anatomy

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Correct Answer

The epiglottis is actually a flap of connective tissue, made of hyaline cartilage, that covers the opening of the trachea in the throat. It blocks off the air passage so that food doesn't go down into the lungs when you swallow and then reopens to allow breathing.

Another Correct Answer

During swallowing, the larynx rises and the epiglottis, which is composed of cartilage, covers its opening which then directs food and fluid into the esophagus and preventing its entry into the trachea which would then lead to the lungs.

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue. It points upward except when solids and liquids pass from the mouth into the esophagus. The epiglottis folds down over the glottis to prevent food from passing into the lungs through the trachea.

First answer by ID1205640353. Last edit by Natural Val. Contributor trust: 938 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 52 [recommend question]

[Edit] Related links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiglottis

http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=3284

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/19595.htm

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