Epiglottis

The epiglottis is the flap of cartilage that lies behind the tongue at the entrance to the trachea (windpipe). When food is swallowed, the epiglottis folds over the entrance to the trachea to prevent food and drink from entering the windpipe. At rest, the epiglottis sits upright, thus uncovering the opening to the trachea and allowing air to pass into the lungs.