Laryngeal microcirculation and pathways of cancer spread.

The microcirculation of the human larynx was studied in cleared anatomic specimens. The distribution of the endolaryngeal blood supply was constant enough to permit naming of the subdivisions of the superior and inferior laryngeal arteries. There was a remarkable correlation between arteriolar and capillary distribution and the laryngeal routes of cancer spread within the larynx. Compartmentalization of the larynx was not apparent. The paraglottic space was filled with blood vessels.