Laryngoscopy is a medical procedure that is used to obtain a view of the vocal folds

Vocal folds

The vocal folds, also known commonly as vocal cords, are composed of twin infoldings of mucous membrane stretched horizontally across the larynx...

 and the glottis

Glottis

The glottis is defined as the combination of the vocal folds and the space in between the folds .-Function:...

. Laryngoscopy may be performed to facilitate tracheal intubation

Tracheal intubation

Tracheal intubation, usually simply referred to as intubation, is the placement of a flexible plastic or rubber tube into the trachea to maintain an open airway or to serve as a conduit through which to administer certain drugs...

 during general anesthesia or cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency procedure which is performed in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person in cardiac arrest. It is indicated in those who are unresponsive...

 or for procedures on the larynx

Larynx

The larynx , commonly called the voice box, is an organ in the neck of amphibians, reptiles and mammals involved in breathing, sound production, and protecting the trachea against food aspiration. It manipulates pitch and volume...

 or other parts of the upper tracheobronchial tree

Tracheobronchial tree

The tracheobronchial tree is the structure from the trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles that forms the airways that supply air to the lungs. It is within the neck and the chest. The structure looks like a tree because the trachea splits into the right and left mainstem bronchi, which "branch" into...

.

Direct laryngoscopy is carried out (usually) with the patient

Patient

A patient is any recipient of healthcare services. The patient is most often ill or injured and in need of treatment by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, veterinarian, or other health care provider....

 lying on his or her back; the laryngoscope is inserted into the mouth

Mouth

The mouth is the first portion of the alimentary canal that receives food andsaliva. The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane epithelium lining the inside of the mouth....

 on the right side and flipped to the left to trap and move the tongue

Tongue

The tongue is a muscular hydrostat on the floors of the mouths of most vertebrates which manipulates food for mastication. It is the primary organ of taste , as much of the upper surface of the tongue is covered in papillae and taste buds. It is sensitive and kept moist by saliva, and is richly...

 out of the line of sight, and, depending on the type of blade used, inserted either anterior or posterior to the epiglottis

Epiglottis

The epiglottis is a flap that is made of elastic cartilage tissue covered with a mucous membrane, attached to the entrance of the larynx. It projects obliquely upwards behind the tongue and the hyoid bone, pointing dorsally. The term, like tonsils, is often incorrectly used to refer to the uvula...

 and then lifted with an upwards and forward motion ("away from you and towards the roof ").