Aryepiglottic

/ˌɛːriːˌɛpɪɡˈlɒtɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to both the arytenoid and epiglottis, two structures in the throat involved in speaking and swallowing.

Etymology

From 'arytenoid' (a throat cartilage) + 'epiglottis' (the flap covering the windpipe) + '-ic' (relating to), a medical compound term.

Kelly Says

Your throat is an engineering marvel—the aryepiglottic fold helps seal your windpipe when you swallow so food goes to your stomach instead of your lungs, a mechanism that fails in people with swallowing disorders.

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