Epiglottis

About the Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a leaf shaped flap of elastic cartilage covered with mucous membrane, attached to the front of the larynx and projecting upward behind the base of the tongue. During breathing it stands upright, leaving the airway open. During swallowing, the larynx rises and the epiglottis folds backward over the laryngeal inlet, helping to direct food and liquid into the esophagus rather than the trachea. It works together with closure of the vocal folds and other protective reflexes, which is why some people can still swallow safely after it has been removed. Epiglottitis, inflammation of the epiglottis usually caused by bacterial infection, can cause rapid swelling that blocks the airway and is a medical emergency. It was once most common in young children because of Haemophilus influenzae type b, but has become much rarer in children in countries with routine Hib vaccination, and is now seen relatively more often in adults.