Final answer:
The epiglottis is in the middle of the r and l vallecula epiglottica. It is a leaf-shaped piece of elastic cartilage that closes the trachea during swallowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The epiglottis is in the middle of the r and l vallecula epiglottica. It is a leaf-shaped piece of elastic cartilage that is part of the larynx and swings to close the trachea during swallowing. When in the 'closed' position, the unattached end of the epiglottis rests on the glottis, which is composed of the vestibular folds, the true vocal cords, and the space between these folds.