The epiglottis is composed of elastic cartilage and forms a lid over the larynx when swallowing.
What is epiglottis?
- The epiglottis is a small, movable "lid" that sits just above the larynx and keeps food and drink from entering your windpipe.
- However, if the epiglottis swells due to infection or injury, the airway narrows and may become completely blocked.
- Epiglottitis is typically caused by a bacterial infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
- Hib can cause a variety of serious infections, including pneumonia and meningitis, in addition to epiglottitis.
- When swallowing, the elastic cartilage epiglottis forms a lid over the larynx.
- Epiglottitis is a potentially fatal medical condition.
- It can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- The epiglottis is a tissue flap at the base of the tongue that prevents food from entering the trachea, or windpipe, during swallowing.
Therefore, the epiglottis is composed of elastic cartilage and forms a lid over the larynx when swallowing.
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