The larynx and vocal folds sit at the crossroad between digestive and respiratory tracts and fulfill multiple functions related to breathing, protection and phonation. They develop at the head and trunk interface through a sequence of morphogenetic events that require precise temporo-spatial coordination. We are beginning to understand some of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie critical processes such as specification of the laryngeal field, epithelial lamina formation and recanalization as well as the development and differentiation of mesenchymal cell populations. Nevertheless, many gaps remain in our knowledge, the filling of which is essential for understanding congenital laryngeal disorders and the evaluation and treatment approaches in human patients. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the laryngeal embryogenesis. Proposed genes and signaling pathways that are critical for the laryngeal development have a potential to be harnessed in the field of regenerative medicine.

喉和声带位于消化道和呼吸道的十字路口，履行与呼吸、保护和发声相关的多种功能。它们通过一系列需要精确时空协调的形态发生事件在头部和躯干界面处发育。我们开始了解关键过程的一些分子和细胞机制，例如喉区的规范、上皮层形成和再通以及间充质细胞群的发育和分化。然而，我们的知识仍然存在许多空白，填补这些空白对于理解先天性喉部疾病以及人类患者的评估和治疗方法至关重要。这篇综述强调了我们对喉胚胎发生理解的最新进展。所提出的对喉部发育至关重要的基因和信号通路有可能在再生医学领域得到利用。