Figure 42-18 Proper position of the laryngoscope blade during direct laryngoscopy for exposure of the glottic opening. A, The distal end of the curved blade is advanced into the space between the base of the tongue and pharyngeal surface of the epiglottis (i.e., vallecula). B, The distal end of the straight blade (Jackson-Wisconsin or Miller) is advanced beneath the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis. Regardless of blade design, forward and upward movement exerted along the axis of the laryngoscope blade (arrows) elevates the epiglottis and exposes the glottic opening.