Epiglottis

Definition

The medical term for the epiglottis is epiglottis. The epiglottis is a cartilaginous closure device covered with mucous membrane. It closes the windpipe during the act of swallowing and guides food and liquids into the esophagus. The epiglottis lies directly above the larynx and functions here like a lid.

Anatomy

The epiglottis is made of elastic cartilage and its shape is reminiscent of a road bike saddle. The tip of the epiglottis is connected to the thyroid cartilage with a small band (Ligamentum thyroepiglotticum). The ligament is anchored to the inner surface in the middle of the thyroid cartilage.

The epiglottis is connected to the hyoid bone (Os hyoideum) by a ligament (Ligamentum hyoepiglotticum). Laterally, the epiglottis runs out into the aryepiglottic folds. In front of the epiglottis, i.e. in the direction of the chin, lies a large fatty body (Corpus adiposum preepiglotticum).

This helps to push the epiglottis backwards during the swallowing act. By pushing it away, the epiglottis then lies over the entrance of the larynx. The cartilage plate of the epiglottis has many holes on the sides.

These holes contain glands that secrete mucus. Among other things, the mucus serves to make it easier for food to slide over the epiglottis. Due to the elevation in the middle and the bulges on the sides, food slides over the epiglottis and directly into the esophagus in the bulges on the sides.

The epiglottis is supplied arterially, i.e. with oxygen-rich blood, by the arteria thyroidea superior, which originates from the arteria carotis externa. The arteria thyroidea superior in turn gives off the arteria laryngea superior, which draws to the epiglottis and supplies it with oxygen-rich blood. The venous blood outflow passes through the superior laryngeal vein and then into the jugular vein.

The epiglottis is both sensitively innervated, i.e. one feels pain and touch, but also perceives taste. The sensitive innervation is taken over by the vagus nerve (10th cranial nerve) and the glossopharyngeal nerve (9th cranial nerve). The vagus nerve supplies the lower part of the epiglottis and the glossopharyngeal nerve the upper part. In addition to the sensitive innervation, a part of the epiglottis has taste perception. This is also guided by the vagus nerve.