The epiglottis is a small, leaf-shaped sheet of elastic cartilage located in the throat behind the tongue and in front of the larynx. It has several functions, including protecting the larynx (voice box) and helping with swallowing. When a person swallows, the epiglottis folds backward to cover the entrance of the larynx, preventing food and liquid from entering the windpipe and lungs. After swallowing, the epiglottis returns to its original upright position. The epiglottis also helps with some aspects of sound production in certain languages. Swelling of the epiglottis, called epiglottitis, can block airflow to the lungs and is potentially life-threatening. Epiglottitis can have many causes, including burns from hot beverages, throat injury, or bacterial infections.