The epiglottis is a small, leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage positioned in the throat. It is situated behind the tongue and in front of the larynx, serving as a protective component within the airway system.
Its Role in Swallowing
The primary function of the epiglottis is to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea and the lungs during swallowing. It acts as a gatekeeper, effectively directing substances down the esophagus toward the stomach. This mechanism is a protective measure, crucial for preventing aspiration, which is when foreign material enters the respiratory tract.
Aspiration can cause choking or, more significantly, lead to aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection resulting from inhaling substances other than air, such as food, liquid, saliva, or even stomach contents, into the lungs. If these materials are not expelled, they can introduce bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation within the lung tissue.
How the Epiglottis Works
The epiglottis is located at the base of the tongue, situated above the larynx, which houses the vocal cords. During swallowing, a coordinated sequence of involuntary actions takes place to ensure food and liquids are routed correctly. The larynx elevates and moves forward, causing the epiglottis to fold backward and downward. This folding action covers the glottis, which is the opening of the trachea, effectively sealing off the airway.
The movement of the epiglottis is partly passive, influenced by the muscles that lift the hyoid bone and the pressure from the tongue pushing food backward. Once the swallowed material has passed into the esophagus, the epiglottis springs back to its upright position. This repositioning reopens the airway, allowing normal breathing to resume. This entire reflex action is highly synchronized.
When the Epiglottis Doesn’t Function Properly
When the epiglottis fails to perform its protective duty, food or liquid can lead to aspiration. This often triggers immediate reactions such as coughing, gagging, or a sensation of choking as the body attempts to expel the foreign material. Persistent issues can result in recurrent respiratory problems, including pneumonia.
Various conditions can impair the epiglottis’s function. Inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, known as epiglottitis, can occur due to bacterial infections, viral infections, or even injury from consuming very hot liquids or trauma to the throat. Epiglottitis can cause symptoms like severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and breathing difficulties, and it is considered a medical emergency. Neurological disorders or conditions affecting swallowing muscles can also compromise the epiglottis’s ability to close properly, increasing the risk of aspiration. Medical attention is important if issues with swallowing or breathing arise.