Glossoepiglottic Folds

The anterior and lingual surface of the epiglottis is curved and is covered on its cranial free part by mucous membrane, which is reflected onto the sides and root of the tongue, forming a "medial" and two "lateral glossoepiglottic folds." The lateral folds are partly attached to the wall of the pharynx. The depressions between the epiglottis and the root of the tongue, on either side of the medial fold, are called the "valleculae."