What is the inferior laryngeal nerve?
The inferior laryngeal nerve (RLN) runs in the tracheoesophageal groove toward the larynx, close to the posterior aspect of the thyroid. It is the main motor nerve of the intrinsic laryngeal muscles, and also provides sensory innervation to the larynx.
What muscles are innervated by the inferior laryngeal nerve?
The posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, the only muscles that can open the vocal folds, are innervated by this nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerves are the nerves of the sixth pharyngeal arch.
What happens if superior laryngeal nerve is damaged?
When the external superior laryngeal nerve is damaged, it results in the paralysis of the cricothyroid muscle, which functions to lengthen, stiffen, and thin the true vocal cord.
Where does inferior laryngeal nerve come from?
The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), also known as the inferior laryngeal nerve, is a branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) which has a characteristic loop around the right subclavian artery on the right and the aortic arch on the left before returning up to achieve the tracheoesophageal groove and then the larynx.
What nerve can be damaged during thyroidectomy?
RECURRENT laryngeal nerve damage is a well-recognized morbidity after thyroidectomy and has been involved in most claims concerning complications of thyroid surgery. The reported incidence of permanent nerve palsy varies widely from 0% to 5.8% of patients after thyroid operations.
What pierces through the Thyrohyoid membrane?
The superior laryngeal artery is a branch of the superior thyroid artery near its bifurcation from the external carotid artery. It enters the larynx with the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve through the aperture of the thyrohyoid membrane.
What is the larynx innervated by?
The vagus nerve
The vagus nerve is the large nerve that supplies the many branches of nerves that innervate the larynx. The superior laryngeal nerve, its external and internal branches, and the recurrent laryngeal nerve all have very distinct roles in motor and sensory innervation of the larynx.