Anatom3DEpiglottis
Epiglottis · Hrtanová příklopka
Respiratory system
Looks like
A leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage behind the base of the tongue.
What it does
Tips back over the voice box when swallowing so food goes down the gullet.
Keeping it well
Hib vaccine made epiglottitis rare; sudden fever, drooling and difficulty breathing is an emergency — do not examine the throat.