Histologic changes in human vocal folds correlated with aging: a histomorphometric study.
The voice of aged persons is usually different from that of younger adults--a fact indicating that aging induces changes in the human larynx. The aim of this study was to perform a histomorphometric analysis of the vocal fold and of a fragment of skin in order to determine the modifications related to aging and possible differences between genders. Twenty cadavers, 10 men and 10 women, were studied. Stereological methods were used for histologic analysis. In the vocal folds, we observed a reduction of the lamina propria thickness (p < .001) and of epithelial cell density (p < .001) as a function of age. In the skin, there was a reduction of chorion thickness (p = .02) and of epithelial cell density (p = .01). The decrease in the thickness of the lamina propria of the vocal folds with aging may contribute to the vocal pattern present in the elderly. These changes were more evident in men.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil.
João Aragão
JA
Ximenes Filho
Domingos Hiroshi
DH
Tsuji
Paulo Hilário Saldiva
PH
do Nascimento
Luiz Ubirajara
LU
Sennes
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D000886:Anthropometry; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000473:pathology*