Kehldeckel
Kehldeckel, in medical terms the epiglottis, is a leaf-shaped flap of elastic cartilage covered by mucous membrane that forms part of the larynx. It is located behind the root of the tongue and above the laryngeal inlet, where it can move to cover the glottis. The epiglottis is attached to the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage by the thyroepiglottic ligament and connected to the hyoid bone by the hyoepiglottic ligament, allowing it to move with swallowing.
Anatomically, the epiglottis consists of elastic cartilage, which makes it flexible rather than rigid. Its anterior
Functionally, the epiglottis plays a crucial role in swallowing and airway protection. When swallowing begins, the
Clinical notes include epiglottitis, an acute inflammation of the epiglottis that can threaten the airway and