epiglottis

Introduction

A leaf-shaped plate of elastic cartilage, covered with mucus membrane, at the root of the tongue, which serves as a diverter valve over the larynx during swallowing.

More general terms

• anatomic structure

More specific terms

• epiglottic cartilage
• epiglottic tubercle (cushion of epiglottis)

Additional terms

• epiglottitis

Component of

• throat
• mouth (oral cavity)

Components

• median/middle glossoepiglottic fold