What is the role of epiglottis in respiration?

Hint: Epiglottis is a leaf shaped flap type part present in the throat. It is a flexible flap made up of elastic cartilage covered with mucous membrane. It is located at the end of the larynx. It closes the entrance of the larynx and trachea during swallowing. It allows the air to pass into the windpipe.

Complete answer:
Epiglottis plays a crucial role in respiration because without this we cannot breathe in a proper manner. It is a flexible flap present in a throat. It spends its majority of time relaxed at the edge of the larynx and in this position air is able to enter the pharynx through the nose or mouth and pass into the lungs.
 A vital function is carried out by epiglottis when we swallow or drink. During the process of swallowing pharynx, larynx and thyroid are pulled and allow the pharynx to widen and receive that swallowed food. The movement of thyroid allow the epiglottis to fold down on the top of glottis of larynx glottis is located at the upper side of trachea (windpipe) so epiglottis helps in covering the windpipe when food swallowed and prevent the entry of food into the trachea. When the epiglottis covered the glottis, the swallowed water or food directed to the esophagus and then into the stomach. If the food or water enters in our windpipe a choke will occur and it will lead to death.

Note: If your epiglottis swells up, it can block your windpipe. So you can’t breathe. It protects the body from choking. Children have small windpipes that can be blocked quickly, and can be dangerous for them. The main symptoms occur when the epiglottis blocks include: sore throat and noisy sound and also difficulty in breathing.