The epiglottis is a small, leaf-shaped flap of cartilage located behind the tongue at the top of the voice box (larynx). its main job is to close the windpipe (trachea) while you swallow, so food and liquid don’t enter the lungs. when you swallow, the epiglottis bends down to cover the larynx and pushes food and drink into the esophagus. once swallowing is done, it moves back up, letting air flow into the trachea and lungs. #anatomy #epiglottis #physiology #medicalstudents #doctorlife #mbbs #stu