Epiglottis

Epiglottis (from two Greek words signifying, upon the tongue), the structure which lies upon the root of the tongue, and which in the act of swallowing becomes superimposed upon the aperture of the larynx in such a way as to prevent the entrance of the bolus of food into the air tubes, and to direct it downwards into the gullet. The epiglottis consists of a framework of elastic cartilage, covered on its upper and lower surfaces with epithelium. [Larynx.]