Epiglottis

Last revised by Craig Hacking on 21 Feb 2024

The epiglottis is a single midline leaf-shaped fibrocartilaginous structure that forms part of the supraglottic larynx and defines the division of the hypopharynx from the larynx. It helps conduct food boluses from the oropharynx to esophagus, avoiding the food entry into the larynx 7. It is one of the 9 laryngeal cartilages.

The epiglottis projects posterosuperiorly from its stem-like base, which is attached to the internal surface of the anterior part of the thyroid cartilage. It is also attached to the base of the tongue via the median glossoepiglottic fold and the pharynx via the lateral glossoepiglottic folds.

The mucosa lining the epiglottis is supplied by the internal laryngeal nerve, a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve from the vagus nerve (CN X).

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