The paraglottic space is a key pathway for the spread of laryngeal cancer that determines resectability. It is bounded medially by which structure and laterally by which structure?

• A Medially: quadrangular membrane; laterally: thyroid cartilage inner perichondrium
• B Medially: conus elasticus; laterally: thyroid cartilage inner perichondrium ✓
• C Medially: thyroarytenoid muscle; laterally: thyrohyoid membrane
• D Medially: ventricle mucosa; laterally: cricothyroid ligament

Explanation

The paraglottic space is a fatty-tissue space within the lateral larynx bounded: medially by the conus elasticus (inferiorly) and quadrangular membrane (superiorly); laterally by the inner perichondrium of the thyroid cartilage; superiorly by the apex of the pyriform sinus; and posteriorly communicating with the postcricoid region. Tumor spread into the paraglottic space explains vocal cord fixation (invasion of the cricoarytenoid joint or thyroarytenoid muscle), upstaging to T3. Cartilage invasion from the paraglottic space upstages to T4a. Knowledge of paraglottic space anatomy guides partial laryngectomy planning.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.