Difference Between Glottis and Epiglottis

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 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.