What is the Role of Epiglottis and Diaphragm in Respiration?

Table of Contents

• What is Respiration?
• The Epiglottis
• Role of Epiglottis
• The Diaphragm
• Role of Diaphragm

What is Respiration?

Respiration is a metabolic process which produces energy in the form of ATP by the breakdown of glucose molecules. The process involves inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. The human respiratory system consists of the gas-exchanging organ, lungs, and air pathway, that can be divided into two: upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract.

The Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a cartilaginous flap present at the entrance of the larynx that prevents the entry of food into the trachea and lungs. It projects in the upward and backward direction behind the tongue and hyoid bone. The flap is leaf-shaped and is made up of elastic cartilage covered with a mucous membrane.

Role of Epiglottis

1. Swallowing: At the time of eating food or swallowing, the flap-like structure of epiglottis folds over the entrance of the trachea, thus preventing the food from entering the windpipe. Conversely, at the time of breathing, this flap is open which allows air to travel into the larynx.
2. Speech: In some languages epiglottis plays an important role to produce epiglottal consonants that are particular to that language.

Read: What is the Difference between Oesophagus and Trachea?

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a sheet-like skeletal muscle that separates the chest from the abdominal cavity. It is a significant muscle in respiration. It arises from the base of the sternum and the lumbar vertebrae of the spine and remains attached to a central membranous tendon.

Role of Diaphragm

The diaphragm is the principal muscle of respiration and breathing. At the time of inhalation, the diaphragm muscle contracts, which increases the volume of the thoracic cavity and decreases the intrathoracic pressure, thus pushing the lungs to expand. In simple words, the diaphragm moves downwards to create a vacuum in the thoracic cavity causing the lungs to expand, and thus drawing air inside the lungs.

At the time of exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and air is pushed out of the lungs by an elastic recoil process. Along with respiratory functions, the diaphragm is also involved in expulsion of urine, faeces, vomit and prevents acid-reflux.

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Also Read:

• What will happen if there is no epiglottis?
• Breathing with Diaphragm and Ribs
• Human Respiratory System