What is it about?
The use of dyes to demonstrate the lining cells of the human larynx in gross specimens (without a microscope). This gross demonstration of the lining cells facilitates the selection of tissue to be removed for microscopic examination not only to map out the normal distribution of lining cells in the larynx but to further examine changes in the lining cells which may be precursors to the development of disease.
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Why is it important?
Mapping the epithelial field of the normal larynx has been fraught with error in the past and there are glaring anomalies in the literature particularly regarding the cellular lining of the posterior surface of the epiglottis. These anomalies were most probably due to the technical difficulties experienced by previous researchers in examining a structure which is largely cartilaginous in nature and which therefore required the examination of large numbers of histological sections, prepared for microscopic examination, in order to survey the cellular lining of just one single specimen. The use of dyes to stain gross specimens demonstrates, reveals, at a glance, the distribution of the lining cells in the normal , healthy larynx as well as changes as a result of disease. Gross dye techniques also facilitate the selection of tissue from "areas of interest" for further (microscopic) examination.
Perspectives
Developing dye techniques that would, once and for all, accurately demonstrate the ling cells of the normal larynx, was most gratifying. These techniques also facilitated the rapid assessment of large numbers of specimens from a cross section of the community and were invaluable in our study of changes in the lining of the larynx with regard to smoking, air pollution and cancer. It was a privilege to be part of this cancer research project with Doctors Watt and Stell.
Irene Gregory Wilkinson
Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Techniques for demonstrating the epithelial lining of the larynx, The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, June 1972, Cambridge University Press,
DOI: 10.1017/s0022215100075617.
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