A Summary of the Human Digestive System

by, Mark

The Epiglottis

Facts for the Epiglottis

The epiglottis prevents food particles from entering the respiratory system.

The throat contains both an air passage (the trachea) and a food passage (the esophagus).

If these passages were both open when we swallowed, air could enter the stomach and food could enter the lungs. (quite scary if you think about it, we choke if a particle of food barley enters the trachea, let alone the lung)

The epiglottis ensures that this does not happen, sort of acting as a lid to cover the larynx when we swallow.

Information on the Epiglottis

The epiglottis is the flap of cartilage lying behind the tongue and in front of the entrance to the trachea. This is important, because it prevents food and drink from entering the respiratory system.

Multimedia

Back To Home Page

Last Updated On: July 24, 2000