superior laryngeal nerve (anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The superior laryngeal nerve arises from the inferior vagal ganglion inferior to the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve. It divides within the carotid sheath at about the level of the hyoid bone into two branches, the external and internal laryngeal nerves. The former is smaller than and inferior to the latter. These course anteriorly and deep to the internal carotid artery to distribute to the larynx and pharynx as detailed in the submenu.