Anat Cell Biol.  2023 Sep;56(3):299-303. 10.5115/acb.22.254.

The laryngopharyngeal nerve: a comprehensive review

• Shapiro S
• Parker AL
• Cardona JJ
• Chaiyamoon A
• Reina F
• Carrera A
• Iwanaga J
• Dumont AS
• Tubbs RS

• KMID: 2546324
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5115/acb.22.254

Abstract

The laryngopharyngeal nerve has received much less attention that the other contributions to the pharyngeal plexus i.e., glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Often, in descriptions and depictions, the nerve is simply labeled as the sympathetic contribution to the pharyngeal plexus. As there is such scant information available regarding this nerve, the present review was performed. Very little is found in the extant medical literature regarding the laryngopharyngeal nerve. However, based on available data, the nerve is a consistent contributory to the pharyngeal plexus and serves other adjacent areas e.g., carotid body. Therefore, a better understanding of this structure’s anatomy is important for those who operate in this area. Further studies are necessary to better elucidate the true function of the laryngopharyngeal nerve.

Keyword

Review; Laryngopharynx; Peripheral nerves; Anatomy

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Schematic drawing of the right side of the neck demonstrating the superior cervical ganglion and its deep branch, the laryngopharyngeal nerve (By David Fisher).

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  Fig. 2 Schematic drawing of the right side of the neck with structures superficial to the superior cervical ganglion removed for clarity. Note the laryngopharyngeal branches (*) and their ascending (circle) and descending pathways. The ascending branches are thought to terminate primarily in the pharyngeal plexus. A carotid body branch from the laryngopharyngeal nerve is also shown. STA, superficial thyroid artery (By David Fisher).

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  Fig. 3 Cadaveric dissection of the left skull base and opening of the jugular foramen and hypoglossal canal. Note the laryngopharyngeal branch (white arrows) of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG). The IX-XI and XII cranial nerves are seen. Distally, the pharyngeal branch of the IX cranial nerve is shown at the blue arrow and the pharyngeal branch of the X cranial nerve at the yellow arrow. VA, vertebral artery (cadaveric dissection from Tulane University).

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  Fig. 4 Schematic drawing of the posterior pharynx and pharyngeal plexus. Note the left laryngopharyngeal branch (white arrow) of the superior cervical ganglion (*). The plexus is seen being contributed to by the pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal (IX) and vagus (X) nerves as well as the laryngopharyngeal nerve (By David Fisher).

Reference

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