Larynx and Pharynx - LO3
3. Describe the neurovasculature (arteries and nerves) that serve the larynx.
The larynx is exclusively innervated by the vagus n., specifically by means of the:
Superior laryngeal n.:
External br.
Efferent to cricothyroid m. (intrinsic laryngeal muscle)
Internal br.
Afferent from (and secretomotor to) laryngeal mucosa proximal to vocal folds
Recurrent laryngeal n.:
Efferent to all intrinsic laryngeal mm. (except cricothyroid m.)
Afferent from (and secretomotor to) laryngeal mucosa distal to vocal folds
Blood supply to the larynx comes from two major sources:
Superior laryngeal a. (External carotid a. → Superior thyroid a. → Superior laryngeal a.)
Accompanied by the internal br. of the superior laryngeal n. through the thyrohyoid membrane.
Inferior laryngeal a. (1st part of SCA → Thyrocervical trunk → Inferior thyroid a. → Inferior laryngeal a.)
