The applied anatomy of the anterior commissure and subglottis.

The applied anatomy of the subglottis and anterior commissure is discussed and an attempt made to correlate the histological anatomy with that clinically accessible. It is suggested that although the undersurface of the vocal fold is classified as part of the glottis by the 1972 UICC and AJC staging system, it should be considered as the roof of the subglottis. The anterior commissure, which is probably a small site within the glottis rather than a true area, is histologically difficult to separate from the anterior subglottis. The characteristic microvasculature of the anterior commissure is presented as being possibly relevant to the mode of spread of tumors at this site.