Light and electron microscopical studies of the anatomical and functional distribution of glands in human vocal cords

The human vocal cord was studied by light and electron microscopy. Serial histological sections showed that a great number of mixed glands with mucous and serous acini were localized in the submucosa. Their ducts leave the deep surface of the gland and some open at the vocal cord surface near the free edge. The margin of the vocal cord does not have glandular ducts; however, its stratified squamous epithelium is furnished with microvilli and microridges of various patterns. The observed location of the glandular ducts is described and the possible function of the microridges in relation to distribution and retention of mucous on the vocal cord is discussed.