epiglottis

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).

Stuart Judge


See swallowing; alimentary system.
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COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "epiglottis." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "epiglottis." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-epiglottis.html

COLIN BLAKEMORE and SHELIA JENNETT. "epiglottis." The Oxford Companion to the Body. 2001. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O128-epiglottis.html

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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.

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"epiglottis." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"epiglottis." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-epiglottis.html

"epiglottis." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-epiglottis.html

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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.

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"epiglottis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"epiglottis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-epiglottis.html

"epiglottis." A Dictionary of Biology. 2004. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O6-epiglottis.html

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epiglottis

epiglottis (epi-glot-iss) n. a thin leaf-shaped flap of cartilage, covered with mucous membrane, that is situated immediately behind the root of the tongue. It covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing.

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"epiglottis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"epiglottis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-epiglottis.html

"epiglottis." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-epiglottis.html

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epiglottis

epiglottis In mammals, a flap of cartilage and mucous membrane on the ventral wall of the larynx, at the base of the tongue. During swallowing the entrance to the trachea is pushed against it and so closed.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "epiglottis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "epiglottis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-epiglottis.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "epiglottis." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-epiglottis.html

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epiglottis

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. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"epiglottis." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-epiglottis.html

"epiglottis." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-epiglottis.html

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epiglottis

epiglottis : see larynx .

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"epiglottis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"epiglottis." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-X-epiglott.html

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epiglottis

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"epiglottis." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"epiglottis." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 10, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-epiglottis.html

"epiglottis." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 10, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-epiglottis.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

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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