Biology Important Concept: What is Epiglottis?

BY Team Aakash Byju's

Epiglottis is a small flap or valve-like structure in the pharynx.

Epiglottis

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The pharynx is the common passage of the respiratory and digestive systems.

From the pharynx, there are two passages, beginning with nearly the same opening and ending into separate ones.

One passage opens into the lungs, and another opens into the digestive tract.

It is important that food doesn’t enter the passage which opens into the lungs.  So the movement of air and food are regulated by the epiglottis.

Epiglottis partially closes the windpipe when we swallow food, and it passes food into the oesophagus.

Mechanism of Epiglottis

The epiglottis is wider when we breathe, and it passes air into the trachea.

Epiglottis is under the control of the medulla oblongata of the hindbrain.

Epiglottis covers the trachea when we swallow the food. It prevents the inhalation of food into the windpipe.

Functions of Epiglottis

Epiglottis coordinate with voice boxes to pronounce some sounds in certain languages.

Epiglottis helps in the swallowing of food.

Epiglottis regulates the movement of food and air.