AGE-RELATED-CHANGES IN THE HUMAN LARYNGEAL GLANDS

The present study was conducted to determine age-related changes in th e human laryngeal glands by means of excised human adult larynges. Sca nning and transmission electron microscopic observations were made. Th e results obtained are summarized as follows. 1) Granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus were sparse in the cytoplasm of serous a nd mucous cells. 2) Secretory granules in serous cells had decreased i n number. 3) Secretory granules were less electron-dense compared to t hose in younger adult specimens, but were electron-lucent. 4) Mucigen droplets in mucous cells were not as numerous as those in younger adul ts. 5) Discharge of secretory granules and mucigen droplets had decrea sed. 6) Age-related morphologic changes in the laryngeal glands influe nced not only the amount but also the quality of secretions. 7) The ab ove changes lessened lubrication of the vocal folds, thus causing agin g of the voice to some extent. 8) Local immunity and mucociliary trans port were also affected. 9) Age-related changes in the laryngeal gland s partially altered laryngeal function.