The superior laryngeal nerve consists of two branches: the internal laryngeal nerve (sensory), which supplies sensory fibers to the laryngeal mucosa, and the external laryngeal nerve (motor), which innervates the cricothyroid muscle. The superior laryngeal nerve innervates the two cricothyroid muscles.
What is internal laryngeal nerve?
The internal laryngeal nerve is one of the two branches of the superior laryngeal nerve and provides sensory innervation of the laryngeal mucosa down to the level of the vocal cords (supraglottic larynx).
What does the internal laryngeal branch supply?
The internal laryngeal nerve enters the larynx with the superior laryngeal artery and supplies sensation to the pharynx from the epiglottis and base of the tongue inferiorly to the vocal cords.
What is the function of internal laryngeal nerve?
The internal laryngeal nerve supplies sensation to the mucosa from the epiglottis to just above the level of the vocal folds. (The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies sensation from the rest of the larynx below the level of the vocal folds). It pierces the thyrohyoid membrane above the superior laryngeal artery.
What internal laryngeal muscles get motor supply from the recurrent laryngeal nerve?
The recurrent laryngeal nerves control all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except for the cricothyroid muscle. These muscles act to open, close, and adjust the tension of the vocal cords, and include the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, the only muscle to open the vocal cords.
What structure is pierced by the more superior branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in the anterior aspect of the neck?
The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is immediately deep to the superior thyroid artery and descends on the larynx. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal pierces through the thyrohyoid membrane along with the superior laryngeal artery (a division of the superior thyroid artery).
What is the effect of injury of external laryngeal nerve?
If one recurrent laryngeal nerve is damaged, it will result in dysphonia (difficulty with speech) and hoarseness. If there is bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, it can present as a surgical emergency with inspiratory stridor, aphonia, and laryngeal obstruction.
What causes superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis?
Superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis are relatively common but often difficult to diagnose with certainty. They are most commonly caused by viral infections, though other etiologies must be considered. A thorough history and physical examination, including strobovideolaryngoscopy and laryn …
What are the treatment options for damage to the superior laryngeal nerve?
Treatments for damage to the superior laryngeal nerve include voice therapy and several types of surgery. The treatment course depends on factors such as specific symptoms and the extent of the damage. Voice therapy is the most common option for chronic cases of nerve paralysis in which only the superior laryngeal nerve is involved.
What are the treatment options for nerve paralysis?
The treatment course depends on factors such as specific symptoms and the extent of the damage. Voice therapy is the most common option for chronic cases of nerve paralysis in which only the superior laryngeal nerve is involved.
Where does the superior laryngeal nerve arise?
The superior laryngeal nerve arises from the middle of this ganglion. The nerve then combines with a branch from the superior cervical ganglion and runs downward alongside the pharynx and behind the internal carotid artery . The superior laryngeal nerve then divides into two branches:
