In anesthesia, the Mallampati score, also Mallampati classification, is used to predict the ease of intubation. It is determined by looking at the anatomy of the oral cavity; specifically, it is based on the visibility of the base of uvula, faucial pillars (the arches in front of and behind the tonsils) and soft palate. Scoring may be done with or without phonation. A high Mallampati score (class 3 or 4) is associated with more difficult intubation as well as a higher incidence of sleep apnea.