[Anatomical markers of Reinke's space and the etiopathogenesis of Reinke edema].

On the basis of histological examination of normal human larynges, the authors have defined the anatomical and histological features of Reinke's space. It is sharply demarcated by dense fibrous tissue in the anterior commissure, along the vocal process of the arytenoid and beneath the free margin of the vocal cord. The upper limit is not always sharply demarcated, and on the upper surface Reinke's space varies considerably in size. It may include a half of the upper surface of the vocal cord, reaching usually to the bottom of the laryngeal ventricle and occasionally extending to include also the inferior surface of the ventricular fold. The authors suggest that the upper boundary of Reinke's space is functional. On the basis of the morphologic structure of Reinke's space a hypothesis of aetiopathogenesis of Reinke's oedema was set up. The patient's attempt to compensate the hoarseness by the use of the false vocal cords forces the fluid within Reinke's space towards the free edge of the vocal cord.