[Instructions for the complete preparation of the larynx]

A method of preparing the larynx in forensic cases is described especially when death occurs by strangulation (manually or using some form of ligature). After the usual dissection of the hyoid bone and the upper horns of the thyroid cartilage, the complete larynx is clipped and fixed in formaldehyde overnight. The first part of dissection after that is to cut away the thyroid gland and the remaining muscles in front of the larynx, except for the cricothyroid muscle and the esophagus and hypopharynx from the back of the larynx. The complete thyroid cartilage is dissected out, and then a horizontal cut is made through the cricoid cartilage. Median-sagittal halving of the remaining larynx completes the gross dissection. Arytenoid cartilages are exposed by dissection of the arytenoid muscles and opening the cricoarytenoid joints. Now all parts of the laryngeal skeleton and all articulations are examined, and all muscles and soft tissues are visible and can be clipped for histological examination.