Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the vocal cords?

Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the vocal cords?

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

Answer: (A)

The sensation from the laryngeal mucosa that includes the region around the vocal cords is carried by the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. This branch, a division of the vagus nerve via the superior laryngeal nerve, runs through the thyrohyoid membrane to the mucosa above the vocal cords (including the laryngeal inlet and epiglottic region) and provides sensory information from that area. This keeps the vocal cords and surrounding mucosa supplied with the afferent input needed to trigger protective reflexes like coughing when irritated. In contrast, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is primarily motor, supplying the cricothyroid muscle; the recurrent laryngeal nerve provides sensation to mucosa below the vocal cords and also motor innervation to most intrinsic laryngeal muscles. The term inferior laryngeal nerve isn’t the sensory pathway for the vocal cords in this context. Hence, the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is the correct source of sensory innervation to the vocal cords.

The sensation from the laryngeal mucosa that includes the region around the vocal cords is carried by the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. This branch, a division of the vagus nerve via the superior laryngeal nerve, runs through the thyrohyoid membrane to the mucosa above the vocal cords (including the laryngeal inlet and epiglottic region) and provides sensory information from that area. This keeps the vocal cords and surrounding mucosa supplied with the afferent input needed to trigger protective reflexes like coughing when irritated.

In contrast, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is primarily motor, supplying the cricothyroid muscle; the recurrent laryngeal nerve provides sensation to mucosa below the vocal cords and also motor innervation to most intrinsic laryngeal muscles. The term inferior laryngeal nerve isn’t the sensory pathway for the vocal cords in this context. Hence, the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is the correct source of sensory innervation to the vocal cords.