Structures Seen On Indirect Laryngoscopy

Indirect Laryngoscopy is a clinical examination of the laryngeal inlet done using a mirror. It is an inexpensive, OPD procedure and permits examination of structures of the oropharynx, larynx and laryngopharynx.

Larynx: epiglottis, aryepiglottic folds, arytenoids, cuneiform and corniculate cartilages, ventricular bands, ventricles, true cords, anterior commissure, posterior commissure, subglottis and rings of trachea

Laryngopharynx: both pyriform fossae, postcricoid region, posterior wall of laryngopharynx

Oropharynx: base of tongue, lingual tonsils, valleculae, medial and lateral glossoepiglottic folds.

Procedure: The examiner sits in front of a seated patient. The patient is asked to open his mouth and protrude his tongue which is held by the examiner gently between his thumb and index finger with a gauze piece. A warmed IDL mirror is now introduced in the mouth and held against the soft palate and patient asked to phonate by making a prolonged 'ee' or 'aa' sound. This puts the vocal cord into motion and also suppresses the gag reflex. The examiner can now examine the structures.