Internal laryngeal nerve

Nerve: Internal laryngeal nerve
Course and distribution of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves. (Internal branch of superior laryngeal labeled at center right.)
Latin	ramus internus nervi laryngei superioris
Gray's	subject #205 912
From	superior laryngeal nerve

The internal laryngeal nerve is the internal branch (ramus internus) of the superior laryngeal nerve. It descends to the hyothyroid membrane, pierces it in company with the superior laryngeal artery, and is distributed to the mucous membrane of the larynx.

Of these (sensory) branches some are distributed to the epiglottis, the base of the tongue, and the epiglottic glands; others pass backward, in the aryepiglottic fold, to supply the mucous membrane surrounding the entrance of the larynx, and that lining the cavity of the larynx as low down as the vocal folds.

A filament descends beneath the mucous membrane on the inner surface of the thyroid cartilage and joins the recurrent nerve.

Above the vocal folds the sensory innervation of the larynx is via the internal laryngeal nerve. Below the vocal folds it is by way of branches of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The vocal fold itself receives dual innervation from both nerves.

[edit] Pathology

Irritation of the internal laryngeal nerve results in uncontrolled coughing - usually as a result of food or water in the laryngopharynx.

[edit] Additional images

The ligaments of the larynx. Antero-lateral view.

[edit] External links

• -563412934 at GPnotebook
• cranialnerves at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (X)