View source for External laryngeal nerve

{{Infobox Nerve |
  Name         = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Latin        = ramus externus nervi laryngei superioris |
  GraySubject  = 205 |
  GrayPage     = 912 |
  Image        = Gray793.png |
  Caption      = Course and distribution of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves. (External branch of superior laryngeal labeled at center right.) |
  Image2       = |
  Caption2     = |
  Innervates   = |
  BranchFrom   = [[superior laryngeal nerve]] |
  BranchTo     = |
  MeshName     = |
  MeshNumber   = |
  DorlandsPre  = r_02 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12690066  |
}}
{{CMG}}




The '''external laryngeal nerve''' is the smaller, external branch (ramus externus) of the [[superior laryngeal nerve]]. It descends on the [[larynx]], beneath the [[sternothyroid muscle]], to supply the [[cricothyroid muscle]].

It gives branches to the [[pharyngeal plexus]] and the superior portion of the [[inferior pharyngeal constrictor]], and communicates with the [[superior cardiac nerve]] behind the [[common carotid artery]].

==Clinical significance==
The external branch is susceptible to damage during [[thyroidectomy]], as it lies immediately deep to the [[superior thyroid artery]].

==External links==
* {{GPnotebook|1328873530}}
* {{cite journal | author = Maranillo E, León X, Quer M, Orús C, Sañudo J | title = Is the external laryngeal nerve an exclusively motor nerve? The cricothyroid connection branch. | journal = Laryngoscope | volume = 113 | issue = 3 | pages = 525-9 | year = 2003 | id = PMID 12616208}}
* [http://sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca/larynx/notes/anat/nanerve1.htm Overview at sprojects.mmi.mcgill.ca]
* {{NormanAnatomy|cranialnerves}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|X}})

{{Cranial nerves}}

[[Category:Cranial nerves]]
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