Sensory innervation below the vocal cords to the carina is provided by which nerve?

Sensory innervation below the vocal cords to the carina is provided by which nerve?

• A. Glossopharyngeal nerve
• B. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
• C. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
• D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve

Answer: (D)

Sensory innervation of the lower larynx and trachea down to the carina comes from the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This branch of the vagus travels in the tracheoesophageal groove and provides sensation to the mucosa below the vocal cords, including the subglottic region and the trachea down to the carina. By contrast, the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve carries sensation above the vocal cords, while the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is motor to the cricothyroid muscle, not sensory. The glossopharyngeal nerve serves other regions, not this lower laryngeal/tracheal area.

Sensory innervation of the lower larynx and trachea down to the carina comes from the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This branch of the vagus travels in the tracheoesophageal groove and provides sensation to the mucosa below the vocal cords, including the subglottic region and the trachea down to the carina. By contrast, the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve carries sensation above the vocal cords, while the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is motor to the cricothyroid muscle, not sensory. The glossopharyngeal nerve serves other regions, not this lower laryngeal/tracheal area.