Pharyngeal and Auricular Branches The pharyngeal branches of the vagus nerve, often arising in concert with glossopharyngeal nerve fibers, form the pharyngeal plexus. Understanding the precise anatomy of these branches allows for targeted interventions, such as selective nerve blocks or surgical preservation during complex neck dissections.
Neck Anatomy Clinical Correlation Guide
Clinicians utilize laryngoscopy to assess vocal cord function and pinpoint the level of injury. Additionally, the auricular branch, also known as Arnold's nerve, supplies the external auditory canal and the pinna.
The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane to provide sensory innervation to the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal cords. Conversely, the external branch runs alongside the superior thyroid artery, innervating the cricothyroid muscle, which is responsible for vocal cord tension and pitch modulation.
Neck Anatomy Clinical Correlation Guide
Superior Laryngeal Nerve Branch Internal and External Divisions The superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) branches near the level of the hyoid bone and immediately divides into two distinct functional pathways. Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury results in hoarseness, while bilateral injury is a medical emergency causing airway obstruction.
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