Primary and Secondary Seal

Bound superiorly by the epiglottisThe epiglottis is a flap of cartilage behind the root of the tongue, which is depressed during swallowing to cover the opening of the windpipe. and inferiorly by the junction between the glottic inlet and oesophagus, the laryngopharynxBound superiorly by the epiglottis and inferiorly by the junction between the glottic inlet and oesophagus. typically contains the bulk of the LMA mask. The mask’s bowl aligns with the laryngeal inletThe laryngeal inlet (entrance of the larynx) is a triangular opening, wide in front, narrow behind, and sloping obliquely downward and backward., while the lateral aspects of the cuff abut the pyriform fossaLaryngoscopic View The pyriform sinus (also spelled piriform sinus and also known as the pyriform recess, pyriform fossa, and smuggler's fossa) is the pear-shaped subsite of the hypopharynx located posterolaterally to either side of the laryngeal opening. forming an airtight seal. This seal is called the primary seal. The distal cuff tip should occupy the entire hypopharynxThe hypopharynx forms the final section of the pharynx before it merges with the oesophagus. forming an oesophagealThe oesophagus is the hollow tube that leads from the throat (pharynx) to the stomach. seal to protect the laryngeal inlet from aspiration from below. This oesophageal seal is also known as the secondary seal.