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Difference Between Glottis and Epiglottis

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What is Glottis?

Glottis and epiglottis situated within the pharynx protect the airway while swallowing food. Glottis is the narrowest part of the larynx and opens into the airway. Vocal cords make lateral borders of it. The glottis is the aperture between the vocal folds in the larynx that serves as the principal valve between the lungs and the mouth; the states of the glottis are the positions that are used to describe the various shapes of this opening. In actuality, the human larynx has two main valves (plus a third minor valve), states of the glottis' should probably be renamed states of the larynx.'


What is Epiglottis?

Epiglottis, a leaf-shaped cartilaginous flap, prevents the food from entering the airway passage of the respiratory system while swallowing. The larynx muscles have the tendency to contract while swallowing which causes an upward movement of the glottis and downward movement of the epiglottis.


Burns from hot drinks, direct injury to the throat, and numerous illnesses can all cause the epiglottis to enlarge. In the past, infection with <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> type b (Hib), the same bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, was the most prevalent cause of epiglottitis in infants. Epiglottitis can strike anyone at any age.


The human respiratory system consists of a gaggle of organs and tissues that help us to breathe. Lungs are the first organs of the respiratory system which helps within the exchange of gases. The other main parts of this technique include a series of airways for air passages, blood vessels, and therefore the muscles that facilitate breathing.


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Features of the Human Respiratory System

The respiratory system in humans has subsequent important features.


  • The energy is generated by the breakdown of glucose molecules in all living cells of the human body.

  • Oxygen is inhaled and is transported to varied parts and is utilised in the method of burning food particles (breaking down of glucose molecules) at the cellular level during a series of chemical reactions.

  • The obtained glucose molecules are used for discharging energy within the sort of ATP- ATP molecules by the physical body to fulfil essential life processes.


Respiratory Tract

The respiratory tract in humans is made up of the following parts:


  • External Nostrils – For the intake of air.

  • Nasal Chamber – Is having hairs and mucus so that it filters the air and removes the dust and dirt.

  • Pharynx – It's a passage behind the nasal chamber and is the common passageway for both air and food.

  • Larynx – Also known as the soundbox as it helps in the generation of sound and thus helps us in communicating.

  • Epiglottis – It's a flap-like structure that covers the glottis and prevents the entry of food into the windpipe.

  • Trachea – It's an extended tube passing through the mid-thoracic cavity.

  • Bronchi – The trachea divides into left and right bronchi.

  • Bronchioles – When each bronchus is further divided into finer channels, that is known as the Bronchioles. 

  • Alveoli – The bronchioles find themselves into the balloon-like structures referred to as the alveoli

  • Lungs – We have a pair of lungs, which are sac-like structures covered by a double-layered membrane referred to as pleura.


Glottis vs Epiglottis

                            Glottis 

                      Epiglottis

The vocal cords and the slit-like aperture between them form the component of the larynx that influences voice modulation through expansion and contraction.

A mucous membrane-covered flap of elastic cartilage tissue linked to the larynx opening.

To make a series of voicing noises between the vocal cords and the silent words so that they can be heard when they vibrate.

To keep food from getting into the airway while swallowing and to protect the glottis from any disturbances.

Glottis opens into the airway.

Epiglottis forms the superior border of the glottis.

Movement Depending on the activity, contracts and expands every time a person breaths.

When someone breathes, it moves upward, and when they swallow food, it moves sideways.

The size of the glottis is liable for the voice type.

The Size of the epiglottis is not responsible for the voice type.

While swallowing glottis moves upward.

While swallowing epiglottis moves downwards.

Speaking and Voice

Protection and Taste.


Glottis opens into the windpipe and is responsible for the production of sound. While the epiglottis may be a cartilaginous flap on top of the glottis that forestalls the food from getting into the larynx. The main difference between glottis and epiglottis is their function and therefore the structure.

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FAQs on Difference Between Glottis and Epiglottis

1. What is the main difference between the glottis and the epiglottis?

The main difference lies in their structure and primary role. The glottis is not a structure itself, but rather the opening between the vocal cords that leads to the windpipe. The epiglottis, on the other hand, is a physical, leaf-shaped flap of cartilage that acts as a protective cover for the glottis.

2. What are the primary functions of the glottis and epiglottis?

While they work together, their functions are distinct:

  • Glottis: Its main jobs are to control airflow into the lungs and to vibrate for sound production (speech).
  • Epiglottis: Its single most important function is to prevent food and liquid from entering the airway (trachea) during swallowing.

3. Where exactly are the glottis and epiglottis located in the body?

Both are located in the throat, specifically within the top part of the larynx (voice box). The epiglottis is situated right at the base of the tongue, just above the glottis. The glottis is the space found directly between the vocal folds, deeper inside the larynx.

4. How does the epiglottis prevent food from entering the windpipe when we swallow?

When you swallow, a reflex action occurs. The larynx moves upwards and forwards, causing the epiglottis to fold down like a lid. This movement completely covers the opening of the glottis, automatically directing the food or drink to travel down the oesophagus towards the stomach, safely bypassing the airway.

5. What role does the glottis play in producing sound?

The glottis is essential for speech. Sound is produced when air exhaled from the lungs passes through the glottis, causing the vocal cords on either side of it to vibrate. By changing the shape and width of the glottis, we can alter the pitch and volume of the sound produced.

6. What is the difference between the epiglottis and epiglottitis?

It's important not to confuse these terms. The epiglottis is an anatomical part—the cartilage flap in your throat. Epiglottitis is a serious medical condition where that flap becomes inflamed and swollen, usually due to an infection. This swelling can dangerously obstruct the airway.

7. How are the larynx, glottis, and epiglottis related to each other?

Think of them in layers. The larynx is the entire structure known as the voice box. Inside the larynx are the vocal cords. The glottis is simply the space or opening *between* these vocal cords. The epiglottis is the flap that sits at the very top of the larynx, serving as a protective gatekeeper for the glottis.

8. Can you explain the function of the epiglottis using a simple analogy?

A great analogy for the epiglottis is a trapdoor. Your airway (trachea) is the hole in the floor that the trapdoor covers. When you are just breathing, the trapdoor stays open. But the moment something (food) needs to pass over it, the trapdoor automatically slams shut to prevent anything from falling into the airway.


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