Sensory innervation to the mucous membranes of the false cords is provided by which nerve?

Sensory innervation to the mucous membranes of the false cords 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: (B)

Sensory input from laryngeal mucosa is organized by location relative to the vocal cords. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve carries general sensation to the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal cords, which includes the laryngeal vestibule where the false (ventricular) cords lie. Since the mucous membranes of the false cords are above the true cords, they are supplied by this internal branch. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is motor (to cricothyroid), and the recurrent laryngeal nerve provides sensation below the cords (and motor to most intrinsic laryngeal muscles), while the glossopharyngeal nerve mainly covers the oropharynx. Therefore, the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is the correct source for the false cords.

Sensory input from laryngeal mucosa is organized by location relative to the vocal cords. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve carries general sensation to the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal cords, which includes the laryngeal vestibule where the false (ventricular) cords lie. Since the mucous membranes of the false cords are above the true cords, they are supplied by this internal branch. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is motor (to cricothyroid), and the recurrent laryngeal nerve provides sensation below the cords (and motor to most intrinsic laryngeal muscles), while the glossopharyngeal nerve mainly covers the oropharynx. Therefore, the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is the correct source for the false cords.