In Mallampati classification, which structures are visible when the patient is seated upright, mouth wide open, and tongue fully protruded?

Explanation

## Mallampati Classification Overview The Mallampati score is a bedside test used to predict difficult intubation by assessing the degree of pharyngeal structures visible on oral inspection. ### Mallampati Class I (Easiest Intubation) **Key Point:** In Class I, the examiner can visualize the **soft palate, fauces, uvula, and anterior and posterior pillars of the fauces** when the patient is seated upright, mouth wide open, and tongue fully protruded without phonation. ### Comparison of Mallampati Classes | Class | Visible Structures | Intubation Difficulty | Incidence of Difficult Intubation | |-------|-------------------|----------------------|-----------------------------------| | I | Soft palate, fauces, uvula, pillars | Easy | ~1% | | II | Soft palate, fauces, uvula (base only) | Mild-moderate | ~5-10% | | III | Soft palate and base of uvula only | Moderate-difficult | ~10-15% | | IV | Hard palate only (no soft palate visible) | Very difficult | ~50% | ### High-Yield Facts **High-Yield:** Class I and II are generally associated with easy intubation, while Class III and IV suggest potential difficulty and warrant additional airway assessment tools (thyromental distance, sternomental distance, neck mobility). **Clinical Pearl:** The Mallampati score has a sensitivity of ~60% and specificity of ~90% for predicting difficult intubation when used in isolation; it should always be combined with other airway assessment parameters. **Mnemonic:** **SPUP** = Soft palate, Pillars, Uvula, Pharyngeal wall (Class I shows the first three; Class IV shows none).