THE ELASTIC TISSUE OF THE HUMAN LARYNX. 



BY 



DEAN D. LEWIS, M. D. 



From the Hull Laboratory of Anatomy, University of Chicago. 



With 5 Plates. 



The elastic tissue of the hirviix. since it was first described b}' Lauth/ 

 in 1835, has been the object of frequent studies by anatomists and laryn- 

 gologists. The functional importance of this tissue in the production 

 and modification of voice has aroused interest in its distribution and 

 arrangement, and while the earlier descriptions, which are based upon the 

 study of specimens prepared by methods which do not reveal the finer 

 elastic fibrils, are correct, a knoAvledge of the more minute relations exist- 

 ing between the elastic fibers, muscle, cartilage and epithelium is desir- 

 able. 



The introduction of specific stains for elastic tissue has given a new 

 impetus to its study from a developmental and pathological view-point, 

 and has drawn attention to the elastic tissue of the larynx, as is evidenced 

 by the number of articles appearing upon the subject. Friedrich's 

 work followed closely upon the introduction of the Taenzer-Unna orcein 

 stain, and Katzenstein, using the Weigert resorcin-fuchsin method, has 

 repeated recently the former's work. The Weigert method certainly 

 differentiates the elastic fibers more distinctly than the Taenzer-Unna 

 method, and stains the finer fibrils, which may escape the latter. These 

 two investigators agree in general, but differ in so many points that the 

 publication of this article, which was about completed when Katzenstein's 

 article appeared, seems justified. 



The specimens from which this study is made were prepared from the 

 larynges of the new-born. They were hardened in alcohol and Zenker's 

 fluid. The former fixative, recommended by Weigert, gives excellent 

 results, but equally good results are obtained after fixation in Zenker's 

 fluid. The ordinary celloidin technique was used, with the addition of 



'Lauth: Mem. de I'acad. royale de med., 1S35, t. 4, p. 98. 

 American .Joukxal of Anatomy. — Vol. IV. 



