A trapdoor-like valve that prevents food from entering the windpipe.
Lidlike covering of voice box.
A flap of cartilage at the root of the tongue which moves to block the windpipe when food is swallowed, so that the food does not go down the trachea.
Flap of mucous-membrane-covered cartilage at the back of the mouth cavity that covers the opening to the windpipe during swallowing, thereby preventing choking.
A valve like structure in the throat that seals off the larynx or airway, shunting food, saliva, and other liquids into the esophagus.
The lid-like structure that closes over the opening of the larynx (voice box) during swallowing to prevent food from entering the trachea (windpipe). The epiglottis, made of cartilage, tilts downward during swallowing, while the opening between the vocal cords shuts tightly. Together these actions prevent food from going down the trachea.
A thin leaf-shaped flap of cartilage, covered with mucous membrane, situated immediately behind the root of the tongue. It covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing.
A leaf-like piece of elastic cartilage covered with mucous membrane, which stands upright between the back of the tongue and the glottis, or entrance to the larynx. In the act of swallowing, it prevents fluids and solids from passing off the back of the tongue into the larynx.
The uppermost cartilage of the larynx, located immediately posterior to the root of the tongue. It covers the entrance of the larynx when the individual swallows, thus preventing food or liquids from entering the airway.
A small flap of tissue that covers the opening to the windpipe during swallowing.
A piece of flesh located adjacent to the pharynx whose primary function is to obstruct the passage of masticated food from entering the windpipe.
A foliage-shaped cartilaginous structure protruding upwards from the larynx, capable of sealing shut akin to a lid over the trachea, thus averting the ingress of any ingested food or liquid into the airway.
The epiglottis is a piece of cartilage located behind the tongue and before the entryway to the larynx, also known as the voice box. Typically, the epiglottis stands upright, facilitating the passage of air through the larynx and into the remaining parts of the respiratory system. However, when swallowing, it tips downwards to shield the entrance of the larynx, which prevents food and drink from mistakenly being inhaled into the trachea, or windpipe.
The flap located beneath and behind the tongue in the throat, which blocks the airways while swallowing to keep food and liquid from entering the lungs.