epiglottis

Noun

Meaning

A cartilaginous lidlike appendage which closes the glottis while food or drink is passing while food or drink is passing through the pharynx.

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Hypernyms

Related terms

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Examples

Elevation of the pharynx widens it to receive food and drink; elevation of the larynx causes the epiglottis to move down and form a lid over the glottis, closing it off. Source: Internet

The greatest degree of pharyngealisation is found in the strident vowels of the Khoisan languages, where the larynx is raised, and the pharynx constricted, so that either the epiglottis or the arytenoid cartilages vibrate instead of the vocal cords. Source: Internet

The epiglottis may be active, contacting the pharynx, or passive, being contacted by the aryepiglottal folds. Source: Internet

They might be called epiglottalized since the primary constriction is at the tip of the epiglottis. Source: Internet

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