LARYNGEAL JOINTS & SPACES

Under the epithelium of vocal cords is a potential space with scanty subepithelial connective tissues. It is known as Reinke’s space.

It is bounded above and below by the arcuate lines; in front, by anterior commissure, and behind by vocal process of arytenoid. Oedema of this space causes fusiform swelling of the membranous cords (Reinke’s oedema).

It is a diverticulum of mucous membrane which starts from the anterior part of laryngeal ventricle extending between the vestibular folds and lamina of thyroid cartilage. The saccule has plenty of mucous glands whose main purpose is to lubricate the vocal cords (vocal cord is devoid of mucous glands) and hence is known as water can of larynx.

Space of Gillette is seenin pharynx in relation to retropharyngeal space and not in larynx.

Spaces in relation to larynx

1. Pre-epiglottic space (Space of Boyer)

Location: Between the thyroid and thyrohyoid membrane anteriorly and epiglottis posteriorly. Laterally it is continuous with paraglottic space.

2. Paraglottic space (space of Tucker): It is bounded by the thyroid cartilage laterally, conus elasticus inferomedially, the ventricle and quadrangular membrane medially, and mucosa of pyritinuous with pre-epiglottic space. Growths which invade this space can present in the neck through cricothyroid space.

3. Reinke’s space: Under the epithelium of vocal cords is a potential space with scanty subepithelial connective tissues. It is bounded above and below by the arcuate lines, in front by anterior commissure, and behind by vocal process of arytenoid. Oedema of this space causes fusiform swelling of the membranous cords (Reinke’s oedema).