Epiglottis – it is a thin leaf – shaped flap of cartilage, covered with mucous membrane situated immediately behind the roof of the tongue. It covers the entrance to the larynx during swallowing. Thus the food particles are diverted to the oesophagus and not to the respiratory system.
Epiglottis has a role in speech that is it acts as an articulator in the production of vowels and pharyngeal consonants.
Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the epiglottis is known as epiglottitis.
Glottis – it is the space between the two vocal cords. It plays a role in production of sound.
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