chap, ix.} THE NECK. 153 



length ; this diameter may be increased to one-half 

 of the length in extreme dilatation. In the female 

 and in the male before puberty the antero-posterior 

 diameter is from 8 to 9 lines. 



The mucous membrane of the larynx varies 

 in thickness in different parts, and in the amount of 

 its submucous tissiie. The membrane is thickest, and 

 the submucous tissue most abundant, in the following 

 parts, taken in order of degree : The aryteno- 

 epiglottidean folds, the mucous membrane of the 

 ventricle, the false cords, and the laryngeal aspect of 

 the epiglottis. These are the parts that become 

 most congested and swollen in acute laryngitis ; and 

 the serious condition known as oedema of the glottis 

 depends mainly upon effusion into the lax submucous 

 tissue in the aryteno-epiglottidean folds. The affection 

 known as "clergyman's sore-throat "has an interesting 

 anatomical basis. The mucous membrane of the 

 larynx is well provided with mucous glands, whose 

 function it is to keep moist the parts concerned in 

 phonation. When an individual speaks aloud for a 

 long while the lining of the larynx tends to become 

 dry, on account of the large amount of cold air that 

 is drawn in directly through the mouth. To still keep 

 these parts moist the mucous glands have to exhibit 

 increased energy, and in those who speak much in 

 public the glands may in time become so over-worked 

 as to inflame. It is the inflammation of these glands 

 that constitutes the present affection. The glands are 

 riot distributed equally over all parts of the larynx, 

 but are most numerous in the membrane covering 

 the arytenoid cartilages and parts immediately about 

 them, the base of the epiglottis, and the interior of 

 the ventricle. It is in these parts, therefore, that the 

 changes in chronic glandular laryngitis, or dysphonia 

 clericorum, are most marked. 



Excision of the larynx. The entire laryux 



