What Is an Epiglottis?

An epiglottis is an anatomical structure that is designed to prevent animals from inhaling foods or liquids while they eat and swallow. You could think of it as a lid or flap which covers the trachea, creating a seal that does not permit anything other than air to enter the trachea. This anatomical structure is very important, as without it, an organism would run the risk of choking and coughing every time it tried to eat.

To use an analogy which may be familiar to you, the epiglottis is a lot like a toilet seat attached to the root of the tongue. During normal activities, it is left in the up position, allowing air to flow freely into the larynx and trachea. However, when an organism starts eating, the epiglottis snaps shut, covering the opening into the trachea. When the organism is done swallowing, the flap pops back up again to allow the organism to breathe.

The function of the epiglottis is made possible by the fact that it is made from elastic cartilage. Cartilage is typically very stiff, but elastic cartilage tissue is made up of tiny bundles of extremely elastic fibers which make it flexible as well as sturdy. When coated with mucus membranes, as in the case of this structure, elastic cartilage tissue is soft enough to form a tight seal, and stiff enough to hold up against the action of swallowing.

Movement of the epiglottis is triggered by movements of the hyoid bone during swallowing, which means that organisms do not need to learn to move it during swallowing, because they are born with the ability to do so. Because the structure is not controlled by brain activity, it is also not dependent on nerve signals; it's basically like a mechanized part that requires no real maintenance on the part of the user.

Sometimes, the epiglottis can become inflamed, in a situation known as epiglottitis. The inflammation causes the flap to swell, and this can potentially be extremely dangerous, as the swollen tissue may inhibit breathing. Prompt treatment is required for such inflammation to ensure that the patient will be able to breathe, and in some cases the patient may need to be intubated to secure his or her airway until the cause of the swelling can be resolved.

At the base of the tongue, there is a little cartilage flap called the epiglottis. Its main purpose is to serve as the trachea's lid, preventing food and liquids from entering the lungs after swallowing. The epiglottis rises during swallowing to close off the tracheal entrance and create a one-way valve. This makes it possible for the lungs to receive just air and not food or drink. The epiglottis also contributes to the creation of speech sounds.

Damage to the epiglottis may result in a variety of problems. For instance, because food and liquids may more readily enter the lungs, it may cause trouble swallowing. Aspiration pneumonia, which is brought on by breathing in food or drink that is contaminated with germs, may also result from injury to the epiglottis. As the epiglottis is involved in voice production, damage to it may also result in vocal problems.

All mammals have an epiglottis. However, the size and form might vary from species to species. At the base of the tongue in humans, the epiglottis is a tiny cartilage flap that resembles a leaf. The epiglottis is bigger and more triangular in other animals like cats and dogs.

The epiglottis is more closely associated with swallowing than breathing. The epiglottis raises to seal the trachea, or windpipe, opening during swallowing and acts as a one-way valve. This makes it more likely that the lungs will only receive air and not food or liquid. The intake of air does not involve the epiglottis.

The epiglottis may indeed be associated with a few medical issues. For instance, difficulties swallowing, aspiration pneumonia, and voice disorders may all result from epiglottis concerns. Moreover, epiglottitis is a disorder in which the epiglottis swells and becomes inflamed, making breathing difficult. Remember that epiglottitis is a severe illness that needs immediate medical care.