Epiglottis And Esophagus By: Ryan, Melissa, Nicole, and Kenny and Kenny

Epiglottis? The Epiglottis is a flap of cartilage that lies behind the tongue and in front of the entrance to the larynx. This flap allows air to flow through the larynx and into the rest of the respiratory system.

It also allows the food to go down the esophagus, preventing the food from going down the air pipe. If both passages were open, food and drinks would get into the respiratory system and may cause Illness, Injury or Death! Here is an example!

Air Fresh Air Air Food Pipe Air Pipe

I’m Hungry The Epiglottis Food

This is what happens when you don’t have a Epiglottis

Bam! Boom! Crack! Bang!

The Esophagus The Esophagus is a hollow, muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the throat to the stomach for digestion. 10 to 14 inches in length of the esophagus

If muscle weakens it can cause heart burn. Peristalsis is the operation in which the esophagus pushes the food down the tube for digestion.

Esophagus Notice how the throat pushes the food down the pipe, this process is called Peristalsis