vallecula
- noun
- /ˌvælɪˈkjuːlə/
- Specialized
:
vallecula
- During the examination, the doctor pointed out the presence of a groove known as the vallecula near the base of the tongue.
Examples
-
Flexible transnasal laryngoscopy showed that his vallecula and tongue base were still clear of obstructing lingual tonsil tissue, and his epiglottis had resumed its natural upright position.
Academic text (2010) -
The large volume of tissue present in the vallecula in our patient could have certainly caused his dysphagia.
Academic text (2010) -
The arrow indicates the base of the vallecula.
Academic text (2010) -
The patient was then placed into suspension with a laryngoscope placed just proximal to the vallecula.
Academic text (2010) -
B: Axial view shows the large volume of tonsillar tissue present in the vallecula (double arrow).
Academic text (2010) -
We saw scarring in the supraglottis and vallecula, with a hooded epiglottis.
Academic text (2007) -
A Coblation wand was used to completely ablate the lingual tonsil tissue from the vallecula and to achieve hemostasis (Figure 3).
Academic text (2010) -
Preoperative transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy of the vallecula demonstrates the exuberant hypertrophy of the lingual tonsils.
Academic text (2010) -
An abnormal growth in the vallecula was identified during the imaging scan, which explained the patient's difficulty swallowing.
-
The surgeon carefully navigated around the vallecula to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues during the procedure.
Synonyms
How Deep
- Specialized
11
5.3
22
7.0
- Specialized
- Specialized
1
9.9
6
1.6
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word vallecula comes from the Latin root vallis 'valley' plus the ending -cula 'small', so it literally means 'little valley'. That's why in anatomy a vallecula is a small groove between parts of an organ, like a tiny valley where fluid might collect.