preepiglottic space

preepiglottic space

the space anterior to the epiglottis that is bounded anteriorly by the thyrohyoid membrane and the superior parts of the lamina of the thyroid cartilage, superiorly by the hyoepiglottic ligament and inferiorly by the thyroepiglottic ligament; laterally it extends into the paraglottic spaces. Carcinoma of the infrahyoid portion of the epiglottis often extends into the preepiglottic space.

pre·ep·i·glot·tic space

(prē-ep'i-glot'ik spās) The space anterior to the epiglottis that is bounded anteriorly by the thyrohyoid membrane and the superior parts of the lamina of the thyroid cartilage, superiorly by the hyoepiglottic ligament and inferiorly by the thyroepiglottic ligament; laterally, it extends into the paraglottic spaces. Carcinoma of the infrahyoid portion of the epiglottis often extends into the preepiglottic space.