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Friedrich Berthold Reinke (1862–1919): brilliant yet troubled anatomist of the vocal fold

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 November 2015

A Senior
A Senior*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Andrew Senior, 4 Croft View, Coleshill B46 3BP, UK E-mail: andys2282@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Reinke's space is a critical laryngeal structure, and the eponym remains in current use in both clinical and research settings. However, little is known about the life of the German anatomist Friedrich Berthold Reinke. His name is missing from the otolaryngological histories, despite his work on the structure he described being responsible for a fundamental advance in our understanding of the larynx. Although brilliant, Reinke was described as impetuous and coarse by his colleagues, resulting in his academic career being cut short. Reinke's relative anonymity is thought to derive from the fact that he never defined himself as a laryngologist. Without question, Reinke's observations of the human vocal fold are substantive contributions, without which modern laryngology could not have evolved. This article aimed to summarise this brilliant yet troubled man's life and achievements, allowing appreciation for his singular genius and fundamental contribution to laryngology.

Keywords

Friedrich Berthold ReinkeVocal FoldLarynxLaryngologyReinke Edema
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 11 , November 2015 , pp. 1053 - 1057
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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Footnotes

Article presented and awarded prize at the British Society for the History of ENT meeting, 5 December 2013, London, UK

References

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