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What is the epiglottis and what does it do?

Answer

The epiglottis is actually a flap of connective tissue that is made of elastic cartilage at the base of the tongue. It points upward except when solids and liquids pass from the oral cavity into the esophagus. When you swallow, this position is changed so that it covers the opening of the trachea in the throat by folding down over the glottis to prevent food from passing into the lungs through the trachea. So it temporarily blocks off the air passageway as food goes down the esophagus it doesn't go down into the lungs. After you finish swallowing, it then reopens the trachea to allow breathing.

Another Answer

During swallowing, the larynx rises and the epiglottis, which is composed of cartilage, covers its opening which then directs food and fluid into the esophagus and preventing its entry into the trachea which would then lead to the lungs.

Another answer

The epiglottis is a leaf shaped elastic cartilage. It is one of the single cartilages of the larynx and its function is to close the laryngeal inlet during swallowing.

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First answer by ID1205640353. Last edit by Asma aburas. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 57 [recommend question]

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