Determination of laryngeal dimensions in 50 cadaver in Kerman

Larynx is part of the upper respiratory tract composed of cartilaginous skeleton, muscles and mucus lining inside. This structure keeps larynx open for air passage and is one of the important factors in producing voice. A good knowledge of larynx dimensions is necessary to obtain better results in the treatment of laryngeal disorders. The size of larynx and its dimensions are subject to sex, race and probably environmental factors variations. The present study was planned to measure the dimensions of larynx in Kermanian adult individuals. The larynx of 50 cadavers (38 male and 12 female, aged 18-55 years with mean of 38.6) were removed by routine autopsy 24-72 hours post-mortem and were fixed in formaldehyde 10% and glycerin 5% for 2-3 weeks. None of the cadavers showed histories or visible signs of laryngeal diseases. Anatomical preparations were performed with customary surgical tools and morphometric measurements carried out with a pair of compasses and a caliper rule. A total of 45 measurements such as the evaluation of the whole organ, identification of the internal and external diameters of the cricoid cartilage, height and length of the thyroid alae in different planes, angle of thyroid laminae and length of vocal cords were performed on each larynx. The mean and standard deviation for each index were calculated in both sexes. Statistical analysis showed that all dimensions except the angle between thyroid laminae are greater in male than female (P<0.05).