Superior laryngeal nerve
Superior laryngeal nerve
The superior laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) that innervates the larynx. It plays a crucial role in the sensory and motor functions of the larynx, which is essential for speech and swallowing.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The superior laryngeal nerve arises from the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve. It descends alongside the pharynx and divides into two branches: the internal laryngeal nerve and the external laryngeal nerve.
Internal Laryngeal Nerve[edit | edit source]
The internal laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane to provide sensory innervation to the mucosa of the larynx above the vocal cords.
External Laryngeal Nerve[edit | edit source]
The external laryngeal nerve descends to innervate the cricothyroid muscle, which is involved in the tension and lengthening of the vocal cords.
Function[edit | edit source]
The superior laryngeal nerve is responsible for:
- Sensory innervation of the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal cords.
- Motor innervation to the cricothyroid muscle, which adjusts the tension of the vocal cords during speech.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Damage to the superior laryngeal nerve can result in a loss of sensation above the vocal cords and a weakened ability to tense the vocal cords, leading to a hoarse voice or difficulty in producing high-pitched sounds. This can occur due to surgical procedures, trauma, or tumors affecting the nerve.
Related Structures[edit | edit source]
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
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Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD