Question

Name the cartilaginous flap which closes the glottis to check the entry of food into it during swallowing.

Answer 1

Epiglottis:

1. Epiglottis is leaf-shaped cartilage that closes the glottis to check the entry of food during the swallowing process.
2. It covers the glottis to prevent the passage of food during the method involved with swallowing.
3. It stays open during breathing which allows the air into the larynx.
4. It prevents the food to enter the respiratory pathway.
5. This valve diverts the entry to either the windpipe or the throat.
6. Epiglottis is made of elastic cartilage that is covered with a mucous layer.
7. It originates at the entrance of the larynx and is later attached to the hyoid bone.
8. From here, it projects upward and backward behind the tongue.
9. The space that is present in the epiglottis and the tongue is called the vallecula.
10. Epiglottis is generally located behind the tongue and in front of the larynx allowing air to pass into the larynx and lungs when food is not taken in.
11. When the food is taken into and swallowed, the epiglottis gets back to its unique position.