The posterior cricoarytenoid ligaments and their relationship to the cadaveric position of the vocal cords.

Much debate has occurred over the last century regarding the reason for the cadaveric position of the membranous vocal cord. This study attempts to identify the determining factors of the position of the vocal cord. Serial dissection of 36 cadaveric larynges was carried out and laryngeal measurements taken. The cadaveric position of the vocal cords was correlated to that of the posterior cricoarytenoid ligaments and it was found that the two were directly related. The study shows that the major determinant of the position of the denervated vocal cord is the position of the posterior cricoarytenoid ligament.