epiglottis

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

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Epiglottis is the medical term for the epiglottis or the larynx - a part of the larynx skeleton in all mammals, including humans. The epiglottis lies above the windpipe and closes it when swallowing so that no food can get into the windpipe. Read everything you need to know about the epiglottis here!

What is the epiglottis?

The epiglottis is the epiglottis, i.e. the upper part of the larynx. It has a cartilaginous skeleton and is covered by the same mucous membrane as the vocal folds inside the larynx and the mouth. The epiglottis lies above the windpipe and closes it during the swallowing process.

What is the function of the epiglottis?

During the swallowing process, the elastic epiglottis is also passively pressed upwards and against the root of the tongue, under the tongue, by the larynx that is lifted upwards. This closes the entrance to the windpipe so that no food particles can get inside. Only when trying to speak and swallow at the same time do you "choke" because the epiglottis did not completely cover the windpipe.

The epiglottis is covered by the same mucous membrane that is found in the mouth and on the vocal folds. Occasionally, taste buds such as those on the tongue can also appear in the epithelium of this mucous membrane. On the back of the epiglottis, in dimples in the cartilage surface and in the pocket folds, there are numerous glands whose secretion is supposed to keep the mucous membrane moist when speaking.

Where is the epiglottis located?

The epiglottis is the upper part of the larynx, which is located in the middle region of the neck between the throat and the windpipe. It is approximately at the level of the fourth cervical vertebra. In infants, however, it is positioned higher and only slides deeper as they grow up.

What problems can the epiglottis cause?

An acute inflammation of the epiglottis caused by bacteria is called epiglottitis. In most cases, Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria are responsible for epiglottitis. The disease occurs particularly in preschool children. The swelling of the epiglottis can lead to shortness of breath and thus to an acutely life-threatening situation.

Congenital malformations of the epiglottis can prevent the affected infants from breathing.

Benign and malignant tumors can form in the area of ​​the epiglottis.

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