The epiglottis closes the opening to the larynx during swallowing. The epiglottis sits at the entrance of the larynx. Epiglottal consonants are made with the epiglottis and the back wall of the pharynx. The epiglottis arises from the fourth pharyngeal arch. It prevents the patients tongue from covering the epiglottis and thereby obstructing the airway. There are also taste buds on the epiglottis and upper part of the esophagus. They do not have external nares (nostrils) and breathe solely through their epiglottis. As the epiglottis is in the upper airway, swelling can interfere with breathing. Other components include the mouth, salivary glands, tongue, teeth and epiglottis. The body of the epiglottis consists of elastic cartilage. In addition, the vocal tract may often be constricted in the region of the epiglottis. The epiglottis and vallecula are important anatomical landmarks in intubation. The shortened aryepiglottic folds cause the epiglottis to be curled on itself. Abnormal positioning of the epiglottis is a rare cause of obstructive sleep apnoea. On lateral C-spine X-ray, the thumbprint sign describes a swollen, enlarged epiglottis.