What is the sensory supply to the larynx?
- Above the vocal folds, the sensory innervation of the larynx is via the internal laryngeal nerve, a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.
- Below the vocal folds, it is supplied by branches of the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
Remember: The internal laryngeal nerve supplies sensation to the larynx above the vocal cords. The external laryngeal nerve supplies the cricothyroid muscle. The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies all muscles of the larynx, except for cricothyroid, and the sensation of the larynx below the vocal cords.