epiglottis

Everyday

1. The epiglottis is a small flap at the back of your throat that closes when you swallow, so food goes down to your stomach and not into your lungs. tree →
2. It opens again when you breathe so air can reach your windpipe. tree →

In the lessons

A body word in science and health lessons about swallowing, breathing and choking. If food goes «down the wrong way», the epiglottis did not close in time and you cough. Phrases: «the epiglottis closes», «flap of the epiglottis».

Examples

• The epiglottis stops food going into your lungs. tree →
• When you swallow, the epiglottis covers your windpipe. tree →
• If you laugh while eating, the epiglottis may not close in time. tree →
• Coughing helps clear food that went down the wrong way past the epiglottis. tree →
• We labelled the epiglottis on a diagram of the throat. tree →
• The epiglottis is made of soft cartilage. tree →
• Don't talk with your mouth full, because your epiglottis has to choose air or food. tree →
• The doctor explained the epiglottis with a model. tree →

Note

Say «ep-ih-GLOT-is». Usually «the epiglottis», since each person has one. Do not confuse with the uvula, the dangly bit you see at the back of your mouth.