Epiglottis
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| Epiglottis | |
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| Laryngoscopic view of interior of larynx | |
| Gray's | subject #236 1095 |
| Precursor | 4th and 6th branchial arch[1] |
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The epiglottis is a lid-like flap of elastic cartilage tissue covered with a mucus membrane, attached to the root of the tongue. It projects obliquely upwards behind the tongue and the hyoid bone.
Anatomy and function
The epiglottis guards the entrance of the glottis, the opening between the vocal folds.
It is normally pointed upward, but during swallowing, elevation of the hyoid bone draws the larynx upward; as a result, the epiglottis folds down to a more horizontal position. In this manner it prevents food from going into the trachea and instead directs it to the esophagus, which is more posterior.
The epiglottis is one of three large cartilaginous structures that make up the larynx (voice box).
Clinical significance
Reflexes
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) sends fibers to the upper epiglottis that contribute to the afferent limb of the gag reflex. The superior laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) sends fibers to the lower epiglottis that contribute to the afferent limb of the cough reflex. [1]
Infection of the epiglottis
In children, the epiglottis will occasionally become infected with Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Although easily treated, this condition is a medical emergency because without treatment the epiglottis may swell and block the trachea, causing massive inflammation. This condition has become rare in countries where vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae (HIB) is administered.
Additional images
 Larynx |
 Cut through the larynx of a horse |
 The cartilages of the larynx. Posterior view. |
 Ligaments of the larynx. Posterior view. |
 Coronal section of larynx and upper part of trachea. |
 The entrance to the larynx, viewed from behind. |
 Muscles of larynx. Posterior view. |
 Muscles of larynx. Side view. Right lamina of thyroid cartilage removed. |
 Sagittal section of nose mouth, pharynx, and larynx. |
References
External links
General anatomy of neck (Throat • Pharynx • Larynx) | |
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| Cartilages | Cricoid • Thyroid (Laryngeal prominence) • Epiglottis • Arytenoid • Cuneiform • Corniculate |
| Ligaments | extrinsic ligaments: Thyrohyoid membrane (Lateral thyrohyoid ligament, Median thyrohyoid ligament) • Hyoepiglottic ligament • Cricotracheal ligament intrinsic ligaments: Cricothyroid ligament |
| Folds and related structures | folds: (Glossoepiglottic, Aryepiglottic, Vocal, Vestibular) Vocal ligament • Ventricle of the larynx • Infraglottic cavity • Vestibule of larynx • Rima glottidis • Glottis |
| Triangles of the neck | Anterior of the neck (Muscular, Carotid, Submandibular, Submental)
Posterior of the neck (Occipital, Subclavian) Suboccipital |
| Fascia | Deep cervical fascia (Pretrachial fascia, Prevertebral fascia, Investing layer) • Carotid sheath • Buccopharyngeal fascia |
| Other | Retropharyngeal space |
de:Epiglottiseo:Epigloto fr:Épiglotte ko:후두개 it:Epiglottide he:מכסה הגרון nl:Strotklepjesv:Struplock uk:Надгортанник yi:אפיגלויטיס
Acknowledgement and Attribution Regarding Sources of Content
Some of the initial content on this page may be incorporated in part from copyleft sources in the public domain including wikis such as Wikipedia and AskDrWiki. Drug information for patients came from the The National Library of Medicine. Infectious disease information may have come from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Differential Diagnoses are drawn from clinicians as well as an amalgamation of 3 sources: 1.The Disease Database; 2. Kahan, Scott, Smith, Ellen G. In A Page: Signs and Symptoms. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, 2004:3; 3. Sailer, Christian, Wasner, Susanne. Differential Diagnosis Pocket. Hermosa Beach, CA: Borm Bruckmeir Publishing LLC, 2002:7 .
