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Lateral glossoepiglottic fold

The lateral glossoepiglottic fold is a mucosal fold that extends from the lateral sides of the base of the tongue to the lateral edges of the epiglottis, forming the lateral boundaries of the valleculae. It plays an important role in directing food and liquid away from the laryngeal inlet during swallowing and contributes to the structural organization of the supraglottic larynx. Understanding its anatomy and imaging features is essential for radiologists, ENT specialists, and surgeons, particularly when evaluating tumors, inflammation, or congenital anomalies.

Synonyms

  • Lateral glossoepiglottic mucosal fold

  • Lateral vallecular fold

  • Lateral epiglottic fold

Function

  • Forms the lateral boundaries of the valleculae, guiding food and liquid during swallowing

  • Helps protect the laryngeal inlet by directing material away from the airway

  • Supports the epiglottis in airway protection

  • Contributes to supraglottic laryngeal structure and resonance

MRI Appearance

T1-weighted images:

  • The lateral glossoepiglottic fold appears as a thin, intermediate-signal mucosal structure extending from the base of the tongue to the lateral epiglottis.

  • The air in the valleculae and laryngeal vestibule appears as a signal void (black), providing natural contrast to the fold.

  • Surrounding soft tissues and muscles are intermediate signal; fat is hyperintense.

  • Pathology such as edema or tumor may appear hypo- to isointense relative to muscle and enhance with contrast.

T2-weighted images:

  • Air remains signal void (black), sharply outlining the lateral fold.

  • Normal mucosa appears intermediate signal, while edema or inflammation appears hyperintense.

  • Useful for identifying cysts, mucosal thickening, or subtle neoplastic changes.

STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

  • Fat suppression highlights pathology by removing surrounding fat signal.

  • Normal lateral glossoepiglottic fold is low to intermediate signal; inflamed or tumorous tissue appears bright hyperintense.

  • Air within the valleculae remains signal void, providing a clear landmark.

CT Appearance

  • The lateral glossoepiglottic fold appears as a soft tissue density structure along the lateral vallecular margin.

  • Air in the valleculae and laryngeal vestibule appears hypodense (black), outlining the fold and adjacent structures.

  • Surrounding muscles and connective tissue appear soft tissue density, providing contrast with the air-filled spaces.

  • Pathology such as mucosal thickening, cysts, or tumors is visible as soft tissue density protruding into normally air-filled valleculae.

  • CT is particularly useful for assessing airway obstruction, masses, and cartilage involvement.

MRI images

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MRI images

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