Epiglottis

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Description:

The epiglottis is a leaf-shaped elastic cartilage that attaches to the inner anterior part of the thyroid cartilage and projects upward toward the hyoid bone and base of the tongue. It is attached at its base by the elastic thyro-epiglottic ligament to the inside surface of the laryngeal prominence. Its lateral borders are attached to the arytenoid cartilages via the aryepiglottic folds. Its upper border is rounded and free. During swallowing the hyoid bone and larynx rise and the epiglottis is bent posteriorly and downward due to pressure from the base of the tongue and contraction of muscles in the aryepiglottic fold. This closes the laryngeal inlet and directs the bolus of food toward the esophagus.