title: [Radiological normal anatomy of the larynx and pharynx and imaging techniques].
abstract: The larynx and the pharynx represent anatomically as well as functionally a very complex organ which serves as an airway and a nutrition channel. Knowledge of anatomy and anatomical topography is therefore a fundamental basis for the evaluation of any pathological process. Beside the clinical examination and endoscopy performed by ear, nose and throat specialists, imaging techniques play a crucial role in pre-therapeutic and post-therapeutic diagnostics. The radiologist employs a conventional x-ray swallow examination, as well as contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT), depending on the medical problem in question. The following article demonstrates the functional and especially the structural anatomy of the larynx and the pharynx. Furthermore, the broad range of imaging techniques in clinical use is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Klinische Abteilung für Neuroradiologie und muskuloskelettale Radiologie, Universitätsklinik für Radiodiagnostik, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090, Wien, Osterreich. stefan.nemec@meduniwien.ac.at
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Nemec
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Krestan
authors.forename: I M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Noebauer-Huhmann
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Formanek
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frühwald
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Peloschek
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kainberger
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Czerny
mesh_terms: D005931:Glottis / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000473:pathology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D007830:Larynx / Q000473:pathology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009305:Nasopharynx / Q000473:pathology; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000473:pathology; D010610:Pharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000473:pathology*; D049268:Positron-Emission Tomography; D012016:Reference Values; D036542:Tomography, Spiral Computed; D014741:Video Recording