Histology · MU Sofia

Larynx

Covers the microscopic structure of the larynx region by region, starting with the mucosa and lamina propria and then moving through the epiglottis, false and true vocal cords, glottis, hypopharynx, Reinke space and subglottic larynx. It notes where epithelial types change, such as squamous patches in smokers, and mentions melanocytes in the basal layer, the fenestrated cartilage and the lymphatic plexus of the hypopharynx.

Inside: 1 section · 2 labelled pictures · 13 flashcards · 1 min

Topic 4 of 17 in the MU Sofia syllabus for Histology (Medicine, Year 2). The free AceMed note covers it in 1 section, about 183 words (1 min of reading), with 13 flashcards.

In this note

  1. Introduction

Introduction

Microscopic (histologic) description

  • ➢ Mucosa - stratified columnar ciliated epithelium
  • ➢ Lamina Propria - glands, tonsils
  • ➢ Submucosa forms fibroelastic membrane
  • Junction between epithelial types may be abrupt or separated by transitional area; patches of squamous epithelium in respiratory epithelium are common, particularly in smokers
  • Dendritic melanocytes may be present in basal layer, particularly in blacks
  • Epiglottis: stratified squamous epithelium similar to oral cavity with modified salivary glands that secrete thick mucous; laryngeal surface also has pits containing mucous glands
  • Cartilage has full thickness fenestrae that communicate with pre-epiglottic space, which contains fat and areolar tissue
  • False vocal cords and other supraglottic larynx: ciliated, columnar epithelium extending into ventricle of Morgagni with submucosal modified salivary gland epithelium
  • Glottis: space between 2 vocal cords
  • Hypopharynx: covered by nonkeratinizing stratified squamous epithelium; contains mucosal glands, scattered lymphoid aggregates and rich lymphatic plexus
  • Reinke space: lamina propria of true vocal cord, between base of squamous epithelium and vocal ligament
  • True vocal cords: stratified squamous epithelium with no / rare submucosal glands
  • Subglottic larynx: epithelium resembles trachea / major bronchi - ciliated columnar epithelium with submucosal glands

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