Reinke's space

Reinke's space, also known as Reinke's edema, is a critical anatomical structure in the human vocal folds. It is named after Friedrich Berthold Reinke, a German anatomist who first described this space in 1895. Reinke's space is a potential space located within the lamina propria of the vocal fold, which is itself sandwiched between the epithelium and the vocalis muscle. This space is essential for the proper vibration of the vocal folds during phonation, contributing significantly to voice quality.

Anatomy and Function

Reinke's space is filled with a gelatinous substance, which allows for the flexibility and elasticity necessary for the vocal folds to vibrate freely. The health and integrity of this space are crucial for normal voice production. Alterations in the composition or structure of Reinke's space can lead to voice disorders, including Reinke's edema, where the space becomes filled with fluid, leading to a lowered, often husky voice.

Clinical Significance

Reinke's edema is the most common condition associated with Reinke's space, characterized by the swelling of the vocal folds due to fluid accumulation. This condition is strongly associated with smoking and can also be influenced by other factors such as vocal abuse, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and hormonal changes. The treatment of Reinke's edema involves addressing the underlying cause, voice therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention to drain the excess fluid.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of conditions affecting Reinke's space, such as Reinke's edema, typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and visualization of the vocal folds through laryngoscopy. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and underlying cause of the condition but may include lifestyle changes, voice therapy, and surgical procedures to remove excess fluid or damaged tissue.

Conclusion

Reinke's space plays a vital role in voice production, and conditions affecting this space can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Understanding the anatomy and function of Reinke's space is essential for the diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Ongoing research into the pathophysiology of Reinke's edema and other related conditions will continue to improve our understanding and management of these disorders.