Figure 42-3 Schematic diagram demonstrating the head position for endotracheal intubation. A, Successful direct laryngoscopy for exposure of the glottic opening requires alignment of the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal axes. B, Elevation of the head about 10 cm with pads below the occiput and with the shoulders remaining on the table aligns the laryngeal and pharyngeal axes. C, Subsequent head extension at the atlanto-occipital joint creates the shortest distance and most nearly straight line from the incisor teeth to glottic opening.