Why is it an advantage for the epiglottis to fit over the trachea? Solution Epiglottis is a leaf like , yellow, elastic cartilage forming anterior wall of the laryngeal inlet. The epiglottis is located on the trachea that is closed during the swallowing of meals which prevents the aspiration of food , water and other sunstances into the Lungs. Aspiration of food into Lungs leads to obstruction of trachea is called as choking, and also leads to fibrosis of lung leads to death of the patient. Hence the epiglottis is fitted in the trachea..