epiglottis
/ˌɛpɪˈɡlɒtɪs
/noun
A flap of cartilage behind the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe.It is particularly important to understand the relationship of the following structures: the epiglottis, arytenoid cartilage, aryepiglottic folds, and cricoid cartilage....
- The opening for air through the larynx is known as the glottis, and the epiglottis, below and behind the tongue, plays a necessary part in closing off the glottis during swallowing.
- In some cases, such as when the swollen epiglottis blocks the windpipe, a tracheostomy may be performed.
Derivatives
epiglottal
- It can range from an alarming level of spluttering and gagging - threatening epiglottal emergencies, and once a spray of half-imbibed champagne all over my evening finery - to a genuine interest in the dynamics of such a family.
epiglottic
/ adjective ...- There are three single cartilages (ie, thyroid, epiglottic, cricoid) and three paired cartilages (ie, arytenoid, cuneiform, corniculate).
- The epiglottic cartilage may be rudimentary, with duplication of the mucosa substituting for cartilage.
- The usual response to laryngeal obstruction usually caused by epiglottic or pharyngeal swelling is to sit up and forward.
Origin
Late Middle English: from Greek epiglōttis, from epi 'upon, near to' + glōtta 'tongue'.