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Epiglottis for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ,ɛpə'glɑtɪs

What does Epiglottis really mean?

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Hey there! So, "epiglottis" is a really cool and important part of your body that helps keep you from choking when you eat or drink. It's like a little flap of tissue that sits at the top of your windpipe, kind of like a gate that opens and closes. When you swallow, the epiglottis covers the opening to your windpipe so food and liquids can go down into your stomach without getting into your airway. It's kind of like a gatekeeper, making sure that your food goes to the right place.

The word "epiglottis" actually comes from two Greek words: "epi," which means "over" or "above," and "glottis," which refers to the top part of your windpipe. So, when you put those together, it literally means something like "over the glottis."

So, to sum it up, the epiglottis is a little flap in your throat that helps you swallow safely and keeps your food and drink out of your windpipe. It's a really important part of your body, and it does a big job to keep you healthy and safe. Cool, right?

Revised and Fact checked by Olivia White on 2023-11-17 08:23:26

Epiglottis In a sentece

Learn how to use Epiglottis inside a sentece

  • When you swallow food, your epiglottis helps to prevent the food from going into your windpipe and instead directs it into your esophagus.
  • The epiglottis also closes off the opening to your voice box when you swallow, so that food or liquid doesn't go down into your lungs.
  • Sometimes, when you accidentally inhale food or drink, your epiglottis might not close properly, causing you to cough or choke.
  • If you have a sore throat, your epiglottis might become swollen and make it difficult to swallow.
  • Doctors use a small mirror to look at a person's epiglottis to check for any problems or infections.

Epiglottis Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Epiglottis Holonyms

The larger whole to which this word belongs.

Epiglottis Meronyms

Words that are part of the original word.