What Is the Epiglottic Vallecula?
The vallecula is a small, V-shaped depression located at the base of the tongue, just anterior to the epiglottis. It is formed by the glossoepiglottic folds and serves as an important anatomical landmark in medical procedures, particularly endotracheal intubation.
During swallowing, the vallecula helps direct food and liquids away from the airway, ensuring they pass into the esophagus rather than the trachea. Its position and structure make it a critical reference point for healthcare professionals when securing a patient’s airway.
VALLECULA-Hand Model:
The position of VALLECULA can also be illustrated very simply with hand. It is the region between Base tongue(posterior 1/3 of tongue) and the Lingual surface of Epiglottis.It is a part of Oropharynx. It is divided into Right Vallecula and Left Vallecula by the median Glosso-Epiglttic fold.
Vallecula is a common site for Retention cysts, Foreign bodies(eg.:fish bone,stapler pin) and for carcinoma orpharynx.
(site from: ENT EASY by Dr.VIJAYAGOVINDARAJAN)