\s=b\ Laryngomalacia has been described in the medical literature for over 100 years. During this time many different names have been used for the same condition. There have been numerous discussions of symptoms, cause, pathogenesis, relationships to other conditions, hereditary factors, and treatment. The purpose of this study is to historically review the literature, clarify terminology, and describe the clinical aspects of the disease.We also summarize and make conclusions regarding cause, pathogenesis, genetic and disease relationships, prognosis, and treatment. Finally, we present a case report of severe laryngomalacia and describe a surgical technique used to treat it. (Arch Otolaryngol 1984;110:546-551) Iaryngomal aci a is described as an infantile inspiratory stridor, present at birth or within the perina¬ tal period. The stridor increases in