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Epiglottis

Epiglottis
Gray958.png
Posterior view of the larynx. The epiglottis is the most superior structure shown.
Details
Precursor Hypopharyngeal eminence
Identifiers
Latin Epiglottis
MeSH A02.165.257.625.411
TA A06.2.07.001
FMA 55130
Anatomical terminology
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The epiglottis is a flap made of elastic cartilage tissue covered with a mucous membrane, attached to the entrance of the larynx. It projects obliquely upwards behind the tongue and the hyoid bone, pointing dorsally. It stands open during breathing, allowing air into the larynx. During swallowing, it closes to prevent aspiration, forcing the swallowed liquids or food to go down the esophagus instead. It is thus the valve that diverts passage to either the trachea or the esophagus.

The epiglottis gets its name from being above the glottis ( + glottis). There are taste buds on the epiglottis.

The epiglottis is shaped somewhat like a leaf of purslane, with the stem attached to the anterior part of the thyroid cartilage.

The epiglottis is one of nine cartilaginous structures that make up the larynx (voice box). During breathing, it lies completely within the larynx. During swallowing, it serves as part of the anterior of the pharynx.

In a direct section of the epiglottis it can be seen that the body consists of elastic cartilage. The epiglottis has two surfaces, a lingual and a laryngeal surface, related to the oral cavity and the larynx respectively.

The entire lingual surface and the apical portion of the laryngeal surface (since it is vulnerable to abrasion due to its relation to the digestive tract) are covered by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. The rest of the laryngeal surface on the other hand, which is in relation to the respiratory system, has respiratory epithelium: pseudostratified, ciliated columnar cells and mucus secreting goblet cells.


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