During direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade, the tip of the blade is placed in the vallecula and upward force is applied. This manoeuvre indirectly lifts the epiglottis to expose the glottis via which anatomical structure?
- A Glossoepiglottic folds and hyoepiglottic ligament ✓
- B Thyroepiglottic ligament
- C Hyoepiglottic ligament
- D Aryepiglottic folds
Correct answer: A. Glossoepiglottic folds and hyoepiglottic ligament
Explanation
The Macintosh blade tip is placed in the vallecula — the space between the base of the tongue and the epiglottis. Upward traction stretches the glossoepiglottic folds and the hyoepiglottic ligament, indirectly tenting the epiglottis anteriorly to expose the laryngeal inlet. This indirect mechanism contrasts with the Miller straight blade, which directly lifts the posterior surface of the epiglottis. Understanding this anatomy is essential for correct blade tip placement and optimising the laryngoscopic view.
Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.