The small flap of tissue that closes the windpipe when you swallow food to prevent choking is called the epiglottis. The epiglottis is a flexible cartilage structure located at the base of the tongue. Its primary function is to cover the opening of the windpipe (trachea) during swallowing and direct food and liquids down the esophagus. By closing off the windpipe, the epiglottis ensures that the food and liquids pass through the correct pathway and into the stomach, avoiding any potential blockage or inhalation into the respiratory system.
