The surgical approach to diseases of the upper airway is a relatively new area of expertise for thoracic surgeons. The closer collaboration between thoracic surgeons and otolaryngologists, the improved methods that have become available for anatomic and functional evaluation of the larynx, and the operative successes have encouraged many thoracic surgeons to approach glottic and subglottic lesions with resective and reconstructive procedures. This article describes the anatomy and function of the glottic and subglottic regions as seen by the thoracic surgeon who operates in the area. Also shown are the limits of surgery and the consequence of the surgeon’s actions with regard to the architecture and function of the larynx.