The internal laryngeal nerve (branch of superior laryngeal nerve) enters the larynx through the thyrohyoid membrane and provides sensory innervation to the laryngeal mucosa down to the level of the vocal folds. It travels with which vessel?
- A Superior thyroid artery
- B Inferior thyroid artery
- C Superior laryngeal artery (branch of superior thyroid artery) ✓
- D Cricothyroid artery
Correct answer: C. Superior laryngeal artery (branch of superior thyroid artery)
Explanation
The internal laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane alongside the superior laryngeal artery, which is a branch of the superior thyroid artery. This neurovascular bundle passes through the thyrohyoid membrane lateral to the midline to reach the piriform fossa mucosa and the supraglottic laryngeal mucosa. Anaesthetic block of the superior laryngeal nerve is performed by injecting at the superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage where this bundle passes — important in awake fibre-optic intubation.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.