A leaf-shaped cartilage that acts as a lid over the larynx during swallowing, preventing food and liquids from entering the airway. It flips down to cover the vocal cords and trachea when you swallow.
From Greek 'epi' meaning upon or over and 'glottis' meaning opening of the larynx, literally meaning 'over the voice box.' The term describes its position and protective function.
Your epiglottis is like a lightning-fast trapdoor that closes in just 0.3 seconds when you swallow! When it gets infected (epiglottitis), it can swell so quickly that it blocks breathing entirely - a true medical emergency that can be fatal within hours.
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