Sensation from the mucosa of the larynx above the vocal folds is carried by which nerve?

• A Glossopharyngeal nerve
• B External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
• C Recurrent laryngeal nerve
• D Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve ✓

Explanation

The internal laryngeal nerve, the sensory branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, pierces the thyrohyoid membrane with the superior laryngeal artery and supplies sensation to the laryngeal mucosa down to the level of the vocal folds. Below the folds, sensation travels with the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The external branch is purely motor to the cricothyroid, and the glossopharyngeal supplies the oropharynx, not the larynx.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

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