Laryngeal Innervation — FRCA Primary MCQ
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Correct answer: E — Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, arising from the vagus nerve, provides the principal sensory innervation to the supraglottic mucosa, including the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis and the aryepiglottic folds forming the laryngeal inlet. These afferents are important in cough, swallowing and laryngeal protective reflexes. The external branch is predominantly motor to cricothyroid. The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies sensation mainly below the vocal folds and motor innervation to the intrinsic laryngeal muscles other than cricothyroid. The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies sensation principally to the oropharynx and posterior third of the tongue, whereas the hypoglossal nerve is motor to the tongue.
Reference: Vrapciu AD et al. The Sensory Gatekeeper of the Larynx: Anatomy and Clinical Importance of the Internal Branch of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve. Diagnostics. 2025;15:1711. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40647708/