epiglottis
ep·i·glot·tis / ˌepiˈglätəs/ • n. a flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.DERIVATIVES: ep·i·glot·tal / -ˈglätl/ adj.ep·i·glot·tic / -ˈglätik/ adj.
epiglottis
epiglottis A leaf-shaped piece of cartilage covered by mucous membrane, sited vertically against the back of the root of the tongue and in front of the glottis — the opening into the larynx. The upper part of the epiglottis is free to bend back and down; also the arrangement of nearby folds of tissue and bands of muscle allows the rim of the glottis to be drawn against a thickening on the back surface of the epiglottis. These mechanisms provide for closure of the glottis during swallowing, preventing food and drink from entering the larynx and trachea (windpipe) and directing it further back into the opening of the oesophagus (gullet).
See swallowing; alimentary system.
Stuart Judge
See swallowing; alimentary system.
epiglottis
epiglottis A flexible flap of cartilage in mammals that is attached to the wall of the pharynx near the base of the tongue. During swallowing (see deglutition) it covers the glottis (the opening to the respiratory tract) and helps to prevent food from entering the trachea (windpipe), although it is not essential for this purpose.
epiglottis
epiglottis
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