The intrinsic muscles of the larynx are all supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve EXCEPT one. Which muscle is the exception?
- A Posterior cricoarytenoid
- B Cricothyroid ✓
- C Lateral cricoarytenoid
- D Thyroarytenoid
Correct answer: B. Cricothyroid
Explanation
The cricothyroid is the only intrinsic laryngeal muscle supplied by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, not the recurrent laryngeal nerve. All other intrinsic muscles (posterior cricoarytenoid, lateral cricoarytenoid, thyroarytenoid, transverse arytenoid) are supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The cricothyroid tenses the vocal cords and is important in pitch modulation.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.