Lateral glossoepiglottic fold

The lateral glossoepiglottic folds are paired mucosal folds that extend from the lateral margins of the epiglottis to the sides of the base of the tongue. Together with the median glossoepiglottic fold, they define the boundaries of the epiglottic valleculae.

Each lateral glossoepiglottic fold forms the lateral boundary of a vallecula, while the median glossoepiglottic fold forms its medial boundary. These folds help maintain the anatomical relationship between the tongue and epiglottis and contribute to the guidance of saliva and food during swallowing.

Clinical correlate

Epiglottic valleculae are important landmarks during laryngoscopy, as they are situated between the median and lateral glossoepiglottic folds and are used for placement of the Macintosh laryngoscope blade during endotracheal intubation.

Innervation

The mucosa covering the folds is supplied primarily by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), with contributions from the internal laryngeal nerve near the epiglottis.