During direct laryngoscopy using a Macintosh blade, the tip of the blade is placed into the vallecula (between epiglottis and base of tongue) to indirectly elevate the epiglottis via which ligament?
- A Thyroepiglottic ligament
- B Aryepiglottic fold
- C Hyoepiglottic (glossoepiglottic) ligament ✓
- D Cricothyroepiglottic ligament
Correct answer: C. Hyoepiglottic (glossoepiglottic) ligament
Explanation
The Macintosh (curved) blade tip sits in the vallecula, and forward-upward blade movement stretches the hyoepiglottic (glossoepiglottic) ligament connecting the base of tongue to the epiglottis, lifting the epiglottis anteriorly to expose the glottis. In contrast, the Miller (straight) blade tip slides beneath the epiglottis and directly lifts it. The thyroepiglottic ligament connects the epiglottis to the thyroid cartilage. The aryepiglottic folds are lateral folds forming the inlet of the larynx and are not involved in blade mechanics.
Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.