Epiglottic vallecula

Epiglottic vallecula
(Vallecula labeled at center right.)
Latin vallecula epiglottica
Gray's subject #236 1075

The epiglottic vallecula is a depression (vallecula) just behind the root of the tongue between the folds in the throat. These depressions serve as "spit traps"; saliva is temporarily held in the valleculae to prevent initiation of the swallowing reflex.

The vallecula is an important reference landmark used during intubation of the trachea. The procedure requires the blade-tip of a Macintosh-style laryngoscope to be placed as far as possible into the vallecula in order to facilitate directly visualize the glottis.

Additional Images

  • Epiglottic vallecula

This article incorporates text from a public domain edition of Gray's Anatomy.

Cartilages
Ligaments/folds
Laryngeal cavity
Other

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