Hyoepiglottic ligament
# Hyoepiglottic ligament

The hyoepiglottic ligament is an extrinsic ligament of the larynx connecting the epiglottis and the thyroid cartilage.

## Anatomy

The hyoepiglottic ligament is an elastic band connecting the anterior surface of the epiglottis, and the superior border of the body of the hyoid bone.

## Clinical significance

It is clinically important in performing direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh laryngoscope blade; the blade tip is placed in the vallecula and moved anteriorly, which causes the hyoepiglottic ligament to pull the epiglottis anteriorly as well and thus expose the glottis.

