The posterior glottis: structural and clinical considerations

Abstract

Despite the presence of a number of good publications during the past two decades, the posterior glottis (PG) is still not clearly appreciated in clinical laryngological practice. This study focuses on searching the literature to find out the present day awareness of the PG, as well as highlighting some of its clinical features. The investigation proceeds with two main sections: (1) critical analysis of the literature on the PG during the last 50 years (2) describing the clinical appearance and behavior of the PG in 100 normal subjects. Results of section 1 illustrate the limited awareness in the literature of the existence of PG as a distinct part of the human larynx. Results of section 2 illustrate some misconcepts related to the PG as inter-arytenoid pachydermia, change of voice with lesions in the PG. Discussion elaborates on the significance of the findings and attempts to clarify certain misconcepts about the PG, its structure, function, and clinical features. In the light of the data collected from the literature regarding the dimensions of the PG, a set of recommendations were proposed regarding the optimal sizes of the endotracheal tubes in both sexes.

Endoscopic and Computed Tomography Evaluation of Posterior Glottic Closure During Phonation

“…The word glottis comes from the ancient Greek word glōttis , meaning “mouth of the windpipe.” In clinical laryngology, the word glottis refers to the two vocal folds and the space between them 1 . The border between the anterior and posterior segments of the glottis is the line formed by the edges of the vocal processes.…”

“…The word commissure describes the union of the two sides of a structure at one point, while the posterior aspect of the glottis is a wall 3 . The posterior glottis is in direct alignment with the trachea, and is considered to be the inspiratory, nonphoniatric portion 1 …”

“…In the inspiratory position, the posterior glottis represents approximately 60% of the glottal ventricle 1 . Nevertheless, the anatomy of the posterior glottis has not been thoroughly explored in laryngology, the behavior of the posterior glottis during phonation in particular.…”

“…1 In the inspiratory position, the posterior glottis represents approximately 60% of the glottal ventricle. 1 Nevertheless, the anatomy of the posterior glottis has not been thoroughly explored in laryngology, the behavior of the posterior glottis during phonation in particular. One reason for this is the lower clinical relevance of the posterior segment, because diseases manifest themselves much more frequently in the anterior segment.…”

“…In clinical laryngology, the word glottis refers to the two vocal folds and the space between them. 1 The border between the anterior and posterior segments of the glottis is the line formed by the edges of the vocal processes. Hirano and Kurita 2 defined the posterior glottis as a fold-like structure between the edges of the vocal processes and the posterior end of the laryngeal ventricle.…”