Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

Which nerve is responsible for sensory innervation to the mucosa superior to the vocal folds?

1. Internal laryngeal nerve

2. Occulomotor nerve

3. Recurrent laryngeal nerve

4. Vagus nerve

The correct answer is: Internal laryngeal nerve

The internal laryngeal nerve is responsible for sensory innervation to the mucosa superior to the vocal folds. This nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve and plays a crucial role in providing sensation to the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal cords, supporting functions such as the cough reflex and protecting the airway during swallowing. The internal laryngeal nerve enters the larynx through the thyrohyoid membrane and extends to the epiglottis and the surrounding areas, allowing it to provide critical sensory feedback for maintaining airway safety and function. While the vagus nerve is involved in this region’s innervation, it primarily carries motor fibers and parasympathetic fibers; thus, it is the specific branch, the internal laryngeal nerve, that delivers the sensory information required for the mucosa above the vocal folds. Other nerves mentioned, such as the oculomotor and recurrent laryngeal nerves, have different functions and areas of innervation, which do not pertain to the sensory supply of the laryngeal mucosa superior to the vocal folds.