Literally, the “little valley,” formed between the base of the tongue and the anterior face of the upright epiglottis.
Panoramic view of the laryngopharynx, showing the base of the tongue, the vallecula, epiglottis, vocal cords in abducted (breathing) position, and posterior pyriform/postarytenoid “crescent,” which serves as the superiormost entrance to the foodway (cervical esophagus).
