抄録
Normal, and pathological mucosa of the larynx was investigated with a use of scanning electron microscope. The results are as follows:
I. Mucosa of normal larynges
1. Most part of the false cord and the entire part of the ventricle and the lower surface of the vocal cord are covered with pseudostratified collumner epithelium consisting of cilliated and non-cilliated cells. The non-cilliated cells present a dome-like appearance with microvilli on the surface and seem to give secretion. The surface of the cillia shows slight undulation.
2. In the transitional zone from pseudostratified collumner epithelium to squamous epithelium of the vocal cord, there are immature epithelial cells. Mature cells appear as the regions of pseudostratified collumner or squamous epithelium are approached.
3. The vocal cord is covered with stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelial cells on the surface are polygonal in shape and are so thin that the contour of the underlying cells can be seen through them. The thickness of the cells increases as the basal cells are approached. On the surface of the epithelial cells there are microridges running almost parallel.
4. At the edge of the vocal cord, the lamina propria has three layers. In the superficial layer, loose networks of collagenous fibrils are found. The intermediate layer is dense chiefly with elastic fibers whereas the deep layer is dense with collagenous fibers which consist of a great number of collagenous fibrils running slightly twisted.
5. At the junction of the mucosa and the muscle, collagenous fibers enter between the bundles of muscle fibers. The collagen fibers and the capsule of the bundle of the muscle fibers are connected with collagenous fibrils.
II. Mucosa of pathological larynges
1. In the cases of papilloma, epithelial hyperplasia and in some cases of polyp, the superficial epithelial cells are smaller than in the normal. The superficial cells tend to be dropped off when a high degree of keratinization is developed. The microridges are deformed. Deformities of the microridge are especially pronounced when keratinization is markedly seen.
2. In the cases of carcinoma, the epithelial cells greatly vary in size and are not systematically arranged. The intercellular sqace is wide and shape of the cytoplasmic prominents are completely different from that of the normal micridge.
3. Granuloma is covered not with epithelium but with a capsule. Fibrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration are found in granuloma.
