The
epiglottis is a flap made of
elastic cartilage tissue covered with a
mucous membrane, attached to the entrance of the
larynx. It projects obliquely upwards behind the
tongue and the
hyoid bone, pointing dorsally. It stands open during breathing, allowing air into the larynx. During
swallowing, it closes to prevent
aspiration, forcing the swallowed liquids or food to go down the
esophagus instead. It is thus the valve that diverts passage to either the
trachea or the esophagus.