Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2025
07:22
Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
585
The laryngopharyngeal nerve: a comprehensive review
Stephen Shapiro1,2, Andrew L Parker3, Juan J Cardona2
1Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, LA, USA.
Anatomy & Cell Biology
|March 26, 2023
Summary
The laryngopharyngeal nerve, often overlooked, consistently contributes to the pharyngeal plexus and nearby structures like the carotid body. Further research is needed to fully understand its anatomical role.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The laryngopharyngeal nerve is under-recognized compared to other pharyngeal plexus components.
- Existing literature often mislabels it as solely a sympathetic contribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the available literature on the laryngopharyngeal nerve.
- To highlight its anatomical significance and need for further investigation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of medical databases.
- Analysis of anatomical descriptions and depictions.
Main Results:
- The laryngopharyngeal nerve is a consistent contributor to the pharyngeal plexus.
- It also innervates adjacent structures, such as the carotid body.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of the laryngopharyngeal nerve's anatomy is crucial for clinicians operating in the head and neck region.
- Additional studies are required to clarify its precise functions.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Larynx
1.8K
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
1.8K
01:20Pharynx
2.1K
The pharynx, a tubular structure framed by skeletal muscle and lined with mucous membrane, extends continuously from the nasal cavities. It is segmented into three major areas: the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and laryngopharynx.
Nasopharynx
The nasopharynx, bordered by the conchae of the nasal cavity, serves exclusively as an air conduit. In its superior region, the pharyngeal tonsils or adenoids are located. These tonsils are clusters of lymphoid reticular tissue akin to a lymph node. The precise...
Nasopharynx
The nasopharynx, bordered by the conchae of the nasal cavity, serves exclusively as an air conduit. In its superior region, the pharyngeal tonsils or adenoids are located. These tonsils are clusters of lymphoid reticular tissue akin to a lymph node. The precise...
2.1K
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
2.0K
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
2.0K
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
2.6K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
2.6K
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
2.8K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
2.8K
01:27Nerve Supply of the GI Tract
1.5K
The neuronal supply to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for regulating various functions, including digestion, absorption, and movement of food. This intricate network of nerves is known as the enteric nervous system (ENS), often referred to as the "second brain" of the body.
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
The enteric nervous system consists of two major plexuses: the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus) and the submucosal plexus (Meissner's plexus). These plexuses are located within the layers of...
1.5K