The morphological study of adult human larynx in a Western Indian population

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the size and proportions of the human larynx is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal disorders. Objective of the present cadaveric study was to study dimensions of larynx, various laryngeal folds and laryngeal cavity of adult human larynx in the western Indian population. Materials and Methods: Sagittal section of the head and neck region was taken from the cadaver. Larynx was separated from tongue from the level of hyoid bone to 3 rd tracheal ring. The measurements of intact and split larynx were taken with the help of digital vernier caliper, thread, and scale. Data was analyzed using software StatistiXL. For each of the parameters, the mean, standard deviation (S.D.), and range was calculated. Z test was used to test the significance of difference between the two mean. Results: Height of larynx from floor of thyroid notch to lower margin of cricoid cartilage was 32.42 ± 3.41 mm. Height of larynx from upper border of hyoid to lower border of cricoid. (L2) was 54.39 ± 6.04 mm. Height of larynx from tip of epiglottis to lower margin of cricoid cartilage was 57.13 ± 7.32 mm. Total height of laryngeal cavity was 61.51 ± 6.84 mm. Bilateral symmetry was noted in the size of vocal and vestibular folds length. Conclusion: There was wide individual variation in the dimensions of the most of the parameters in the selected population. Bilateral asymmetry, though present in majority of specimens, was insignificant. Morphometrical data of the larynx may be very useful in otorhinolaryngology, laryngeal microsurgery, and evaluation of results of diagnostic techniques. These parameters can be helpful in evaluation of the damage and proper repair of the larynx.