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Despite possession of a well developed larynx and a gregarious nature, the Giraffe is able to utter only low moans or bleats. Morphological and histological examination, together with measurements of trachea and subglottic area, on three fresh larynges (Giraffa camelopardalis) has made it possible to explain the lack of vocal power. Factors such as thoracic expiratory flow rate, length of trachea and recurrent laryngeal nerves, together with morphological details of vocal folds, and intrinsic laryngeal muscles have all been considered, providing a unique example of the relationship between morphology and function in the mammalial larynx.

The paper includes brief details of a long term three-dimensional study into the fine structure of the mammalian larynx using whole organ serial sections. Differential staining, including Glees silver technique, is essential if maximum information is to be gained. A specially designed punch card will enable any future investigator to rapidly retrieve relevant information and it is expected that specimens of all available mammalian larynges will be included. Illustrations are included in this paper of the cat, dog, horse and mongoose.

Ossification of the laryngeal cartilages is a random occurrence possibly related to age and sex. A wide variety of primate larynges have been examined radiologically, by macroscopic section or after whole organ serial section with the aim of determining presence of ossification. The results of this investigation will be presented in an attempt to establish possible correlation between structure, function and degree of ossification within each specific larynx. This is a unique enquiry which may assist in the understanding of ossification within the human larynx.