Epiglottis serve Throat as a cover lid to protect the airway from food obstruction
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| Epiglottis |
When we use lid?
Imagine You have made a delicious dish....and transferred it in a pot and kept in dinning table for begin served....of course you will cover the pot with lid to prevent dust particles falling in it....so the lid is a protector of your food....
In the same way in our body epiglottis serve as lid to protect the airway
While eating the epiglottis close preventing food to enter airway...and while in rest(not eating) the epiglottis is open to allow air to pass through throat
What is epiglottis ?
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| Epiglottis relation with trachea |
The epiglottis is a small, leaf-shaped flap of tissue located at the base of the tongue in the throat. Its primary function is to prevent food and liquids from entering the airway during swallowing. During normal breathing, the epiglottis remains upright, allowing air to pass freely through the trachea. However, when we swallow, the epiglottis folds down over the glottis, covering the opening to the trachea and directing food and liquids into the esophagus.
In terms of pathology, conditions affecting the epiglottis can have serious implications for breathing and swallowing. Epiglottitis, for example, is a condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the epiglottis, often caused by bacterial infections. This can lead to difficulty breathing, stridor(a high-pitched sound when breathing), and potentially life-threatening airway obstruction.
Other pathologies affecting the epiglottis include epiglottic cysts, tumors, and trauma. These conditions can also impact swallowing and breathing functions, requiring medical intervention to address the underlying cause.
Overall, the physiology of the epiglottis involves its crucial role in protecting the airway during swallowing, while pathology can lead to significant respiratory and swallowing difficulties that may require prompt medical attention.
