Ageing of the vibratory tissue of human vocal folds

Abstract

Sixty-four human larynges ranging in age between 70 and 104 years were investigated histologically. The results were incorporated into our previous data for younger age groups. Discussion was focused on the mucosa around the vocal fold edge. The following tendencies were observed with ageing: (1) the membranous vocal fold shortens in males; (2) the mucosa thickens in females; (3) the cover of the vocal fold thickens in females; (4) edema develops in the superficial layer of the lamina propria in both sexes; (5) the intermediate layer of the lamina propria thins and its contour becomes deteriorated in males; (6) elastic fibers in the intermediate layer become less dense and atrophy in males; (7) the deep layer of the lamina propria thickens in males; (8) collagenous fibers in the deep layer become denser and fibrotic in males. The degree of these geriatric changes vary from individual to individual.