epiglottis

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epiglottis

The Oxford Companion to the Body | 2001 | | Â© The Oxford Companion to the Body 2001, originally published by Oxford University Press 2001. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

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).

Stuart Judge

See swallowing; alimentary system.

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COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "epiglottis." The Oxford Companion to the Body. Oxford University Press. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 17 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "epiglottis." The Oxford Companion to the Body. Oxford University Press. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (December 17, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-epiglottis.html

COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "epiglottis." The Oxford Companion to the Body. Oxford University Press. 2001. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-epiglottis.html

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epiglottis

World Encyclopedia | 2005 | Â© World Encyclopedia 2005, originally published by Oxford University Press 2005. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

epiglottis Small flap of cartilage projecting upwards behind the root of the tongue. It closes off the larynx during swallowing to prevent food entering the airway.

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"epiglottis." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved December 17, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-epiglottis.html

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	Bifid epiglottis.(LARYNGOSCOPIC CLINIC) Magazine article from: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal; 11/1/2007
	Primary malignant melanoma of the epiglottis: a rare presentation. Magazine article from: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal; 4/1/2006
	Myxolipoma of the epiglottis in an adult: a case report. Magazine article from: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal; 11/1/2005

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