Cartilage
Epiglottis
Elastic cartilage contributing to airway protection
High-yield
The epiglottis contains elastic cartilage. The valleculae are the paired depressions between its tongue-facing surface and the tongue base, separated by the median glossoepiglottic fold.
Overview
The epiglottis projects behind the tongue from a narrow attachment to the thyroid cartilage. During a swallow, tongue-base retraction and laryngeal elevation help turn it backward. Its movement works with closure elsewhere in the larynx to guide swallowed material away from the airway.
Reference facts
- Cartilage type
- An unpaired elastic cartilage covered by mucosa.
- Key landmarks
- Broad free upper end, narrow stalk or petiolus, laryngeal tubercle, aryepiglottic folds and the glossoepiglottic folds around the valleculae.
- Articulations
- No synovial joint. The thyroepiglottic ligament connects its stalk to the thyroid cartilage; the hyoepiglottic attachment links it to the hyoid.
- Ossification
- It does not normally ossify as part of aging, although unusual calcification or ossification has been reported.
Clinical correlation
Epiglottitis can rapidly narrow the supraglottic airway. Drooling, severe swallowing pain, a muffled voice or stridor may occur, but the presentation varies with age. Hib vaccination has greatly reduced childhood cases due to that organism; other causes remain. The radiographic thumb sign is suggestive, not a required finding.
Frequently asked questions
What type of cartilage is the epiglottis?
An unpaired elastic cartilage covered by mucosa.
What does the epiglottis articulate with?
No synovial joint. The thyroepiglottic ligament connects its stalk to the thyroid cartilage; the hyoepiglottic attachment links it to the hyoid.
What are the key landmarks of the epiglottis?
Broad free upper end, narrow stalk or petiolus, laryngeal tubercle, aryepiglottic folds and the glossoepiglottic folds around the valleculae.
Does the epiglottis ossify?
It does not normally ossify as part of aging, although unusual calcification or ossification has been reported.