Abstract
The three dimensional anatomy of the larynx was studied histologically using whole organ sections. The results were summarized as follows: 1. In lateral view, the tip of the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage is located in the middle of the thyroid ala. 2. Preepiglottic space exists in front of and alongside of the epiglottis. This space has a horse-shoe shape in superior and frontal view. This space nearly extends to the middle of the thyroid ala posteriorly and to the middle of the crista of the thyroid cartilage inferiorly. 3. Elastic cartilage is observed along the upper portion of the arytenoid cartilage from the vocal process to the apex. 4. The posterior glottis is mainly covered with columnar epithelium. A bundle of squamous epithelium extends from the tip of the vocal process to the postero-superior arytenoid region. 5. Laryngeal arteries run in the paraglottic space and cricoid area and do not penetrate intrinsic laryngeal muscles.
