Dimensions and morphological characteristics of human newborn glottis

The anterior glottis has the most important role in phonation. However, the posterior glottis appears to have an equally important role in respiration. Dimensions and morphological characteristics of the newborn glottis were investigated.

Histologic analysis of the human newborn glottis.

A total of 16 larynges were used. The whole organ section technique was employed.

There was no statistically significant difference between the genders. The average length of the glottis was 5.4 ± 0.6 mm in males and 5.7 ± 0.4 mm in females. The average length of the posterior glottis was 3.1 ± 0.5 mm in males and 3.2 ± 0.4 mm in females. It accounted for 57.5 ± 3.2% of the entire glottic length in males and 55.5 ± 5.3% in females and also accounted for 56.3 ± 4.6% of the entire glottic area in both sexes. The average area of the glottis was 7.5 ± 2.5 mm(2) in males and 8.2 ± 1.7 mm(2) in females. The average area of the posterior glottis was 5.3 ± 2.0 mm(2) in males and 5.5 ± 1.4 mm(2) in females. It accounted for 69.2% ± 4.6% of the entire glottic area in males and 67.3% ± 5.8% in females. It also accounted for 68.0% ± 5.3% of the entire glottic area in both sexes. The epithelium in the newborn posterior glottis was a ciliated epithelium, whereas it was stratified squamous epithelium in the anterior glottis.

The newborn posterior glottis occupied approximately 70% of the entire glottic area and was covered with respiratory epithelium. Due to size and configuration, the newborn glottis appears to be favored for respiration over phonation.

NA. Laryngoscope, 125:E186-E189, 2015.