1. As we swallow, the epiglottis flaps down to close off our esophagus so air does not go into that area.
2.it acts as a "guard gate", closing off the eustachian tubes so air and food cannot enter and cause problems.
The epiglottis is a thin lid-like flap of cartilage tissue that is attached to the root of the tongue. It is situated in front behind the tongue and in front of the entrance to the larynx (voice box).
When resting, the epiglottis allows air to pass through the larynx and into the rest of the respiratory system. When swallowing, it covers the entrance to the larynx to prevent food and drink from entering the windpipe.
If both the air passage and the food passage were open when someone swallowed, air could enter the stomach and food could enter the lungs. The epiglottis is the way that this is prevented from happening, basically acting like a lid every time we swallow
2.it acts as a "guard gate", closing off the eustachian tubes so air and food cannot enter and cause problems.
The epiglottis is a thin lid-like flap of cartilage tissue that is attached to the root of the tongue. It is situated in front behind the tongue and in front of the entrance to the larynx (voice box).
When resting, the epiglottis allows air to pass through the larynx and into the rest of the respiratory system. When swallowing, it covers the entrance to the larynx to prevent food and drink from entering the windpipe.
If both the air passage and the food passage were open when someone swallowed, air could enter the stomach and food could enter the lungs. The epiglottis is the way that this is prevented from happening, basically acting like a lid every time we swallow