TIP TO LARYNGOSCOPY When the head is in the neutral position, the airway lies below the tongue. Upon extending the head and flexing the neck, the airway moves backwards and aligns the axis of the airway. Then all that would be needed is to slide the tongue to the LEFT side and the vocal cords will be revealed. In fact the laryngoscope has a groove and flange to ensure that the tongue is swept to the left. If there is tongue visible on the right side of the blade, you are doing it wrong as all to