Directed by Joel Kahane, Ph.D., this laboratory is dedicated to the study of the morphology, age related changes and pathology of the larynx and other organs of the peripheral speech mechanism. These endeavors are aided by a complete histology laboratory, microdissection work stations and instruments needed for microscopic examination and documentation of histologic sections. Computer image analysis is used in quantification of morphometric features and in three dimensional reconstructions of tissue relationships.

This laboratory maintains a close association with several clinical departments at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Memphis which enables researchers to study correlations between organic impairment and clinically observed acoustic and physiologic behaviors.