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. For an epiglottis made of such materials would not admit
of easy motion. It would, indeed, take a longer time to shut down an
epiglottis made of the peculiar flesh of these animals, and shaped
like that of those with hairy skins, than to bring the edges of the
windpipe itself into contact with each other.
Thus much then as to the reason why some animals have an
epiglottis while others have none, and thus much also as to its use.
It is a contrivance of nature to remedy the vicious position of the
windpipe in front of the oesophagus. That position is the result of
necessity. For it is in the front and centre of the body that the
heart is situated, in which we say is the principle of life and the
source of all motion and sensation. (For sensation and motion are
exercised in the direction which we term forwards, and it is on this
very relation that the distinction of before and behind is founded.)
But where the heart is, there and surrounding it is the lung. Now
inspiration, which occurs for the sake of the lung and for the sake of
the principle which has its seat in the heart, is effected through the
windpipe. Since then the heart must of necessity lie in the very front
place of all, it follows that the larynx also and the windpipe must of
necessity lie in front of the oesophagus. For they lead to the lung
and heart, whereas the oesophagus leads to the stomach. And it is a
universal law that, as regards above and below, front and back,
right and left, the nobler and more honourable part invariably is
placed uppermost, in front, and on the right, rather than in the
opposite positions, unless some more important object stands in the
way
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