The glottis and epiglottis in the pharynx protect the airway when swallowing food. The glottis is the narrowest part of the larynx and opens into the airway.
The vocal cords form its lateral borders. The epiglottis is a hollow bony structure that prevents food from entering the airways of the respiratory system during swallowing.
During swallowing, the muscles of the nose contract, causing an upward movement of the nose and a downward movement of the nose. In this section, we will look at the various differences between the glottis and the epiglottis.
What is Glottis?
What is Epiglottis?
The epiglottis, a rooted bony wall, prevents food from entering the airways of the respiratory system during swallowing.
The muscles of the nose tend to contract during swallowing, causing an upward movement of the nose and a downward movement of the nose.
Burning hot drinks, direct trauma to the throat and several illnesses can all cause the epiglottis to enlarge. Previously, infection with <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> type b (Hib), a bacterium that causes pneumonia, meningitis and hematological malignancies, was the most common cause of childhood lymphadenopathy Epiglottitis which can affect anyone at any age.
The human respiratory system consists of organs and tissues that help us breathe. The lungs are the first organs in the respiratory system that contribute internally to the exchange of air. Other important parts of the system include a series of airways, blood vessels and therefore respiratory muscles
Difference Between Glottis and Epiglottis
| Glottis | Epiglottis |
| Glottis opens into the airway | Epiglottis forms the superior border of the glottis |
| The size of the glottis is responsible 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. |
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