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Understanding Anesthesiology - The Global Regional Anesthesia ...

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Epiglottis<br />

<strong>The</strong> epiglottis is a cartilage located at the base of the tongue. It has an important role in preventing<br />

aspiration, as it drops over and covers the larynx during the swallowing mechanism,<br />

thus directing the food into the esophagus rather than into the trachea.<br />

<strong>The</strong> epiglottis is the anatomic structure that one looks for when performing direct laryngoscopy.<br />

<strong>The</strong> tip of the laryngoscope is positioned in the vallecula, where the base of the<br />

tongue meets the epiglottis. When positioned properly, upward pressure on the laryngoscope<br />

blade will successfully lift the epiglottis and expose the vocal folds.<br />

Related Glossary Terms<br />

Aspiration, Cormack Lehane, Direct laryngoscopy, Hypopharynx, Intubation, Laryngoscope,<br />

Larynx, Macintosh blade, Magill blade, Upper airway, Vallecula<br />

Index<br />

Find Term<br />

Chapter 1 - Airway Management<br />

Chapter 1 - Airway Management<br />

Chapter 1 - Airway Management<br />

Chapter 1 - Airway Management<br />

Chapter 5 - Pediatric <strong>Anesthesia</strong>

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