Advanced
Technical
IVT
superior laryngeal nerve
Branch of vagus nerve with internal and external divisions; controls cricothyroid muscle and laryngeal sensation.
Full Definition
The superior laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that divides into internal and external branches. The internal branch provides sensory innervation to the supraglottic larynx, while the external branch (EBSLN) innervates the cricothyroid muscle, which controls vocal pitch. In head and neck oncology, this nerve is at risk during thyroid surgery and supraglottic laryngectomy. Injury to the external branch results in loss of vocal pitch control, particularly affecting professional voice users.
Usage
Usage note: External branch often abbreviated as EBSLN in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was inadvertently divided during thyroidectomy." — Operative complication note
- "Superior laryngeal nerve injury resulted in loss of high-frequency vocal range." — Voice assessment report
Also known as
SLN
Don't confuse with
recurrent laryngeal nerve
external branch of superior laryngeal nerve