Where is the epiglottis located?

The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage located at the base of the tongue. Its primary function is to prevent food and liquids from entering the trachea during swallowing, directing them instead toward the esophagus. Being positioned at the back of the tongue allows it to effectively cover the glottis, the opening that leads to the larynx, when swallowing occurs.

This anatomical placement is crucial for the protective mechanism that ensures food does not enter the airway. The other choices do not accurately describe the epiglottis’s location or its role in the body's anatomy. The front of the throat, above the larynx, and near the tonsils do not adequately encompass the specific location or functionality of the epiglottis in relation to the swallowing process.