Anatomy, Head and Neck: Laryngeal Nerves

Excerpt

Laryngeal innervation is intricate and detailed, representing some of the more complex relationships in head and neck anatomy (see Image. Nerves of the Thorax). The vagus nerve innervates the laryngeal structures through various branches. The superior laryngeal nerve, external and internal superior laryngeal nerve branches, and recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) all contribute distinctly to laryngeal function. Typically superolateral to the larynx, the superior laryngeal nerve branches from the vagus nerve and splits into the external and internal laryngeal branches. Inferiorly, the recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve loops around the subclavian artery on the right side and aortic arch on the left side (see Image. Laryngeal Nerves). However, varying branching patterns of the laryngeal nerves have been reported, including a "nonrecurrent laryngeal nerve." Anatomical variations in laryngeal nerve branching patterns underscore the importance of increasing surgeons' awareness, particularly during thyroid surgeries.