What is the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is the epiglottis, the upper part of the larynx. It has a cartilaginous skeleton and is covered by the same mucosa as the vocal folds inside the larynx and the mouth. The epiglottis is located above the trachea and closes it during the swallowing process.
What is the function of the epiglottis?
The epiglottis is covered by the same mucosa as occurs in the mouth and on the vocal folds. Sporadically, taste buds like those on the tongue can also be found in the epithelium of this mucosa. Numerous glands are found on the back of the epiglottis, in dimples of the cartilaginous surface and in the pocket folds, whose secretion is intended to keep the mucosa moist during speech.
Where is the epiglottis located?
What problems can the epiglottis cause?
Acute inflammation of the epiglottis caused by bacteria is called epiglottitis. In most cases, Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria are responsible for epiglottitis. The disease occurs especially in children of preschool age. The swelling of the epiglottis can lead to shortness of breath and thus to an acutely life-threatening situation.
Benign and malignant tumors can form in the epiglottis area.
