Laryngeal Ventricle and Saccule, and Laryngocele

The laryngeal saccule, also known as an appendix of the laryngeal ventricle, is a sac that arises from the superior border of the laryngeal ventricle and is bounded medially by the false vocal folds and laterally by the thyreoepiglotticus muscle and the thyroid cartilage.

The surface of the saccules contains up to 70 mucous glands. The squeezing action of the thyreoepiglotticus muscle releases the contents of the saccules into the ventricle.

Laryngoceles are abnormal cystic dilatations of the laryngeal saccules. Internal laryngoceles are within the larynx and do not cross the thyrohyoid membrane. External laryngoceles penetrate the thyrohyoid membrane.

References

Koeller KK, Alamo L, Adair CF, Smirniotopoulos JG. Congenital cystic masses of the neck: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics. 1999 Jan-Feb;19(1):121-46.