Laryngopharyngeal nerves - Mediastinum - Sympathetic trunk - e-Anatomy
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Laryngopharyngeal nerves

Nervi laryngopharyngei

  • Latin synonym: Rami laryngopharyngei
  • Synonym: Laryngopharyngeal branches
  • Related terms: Laryngopharyngeal branches

Definition

Laryngopharyngeal nerves arise from the medial aspect of the superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic trunk. These nerves contain post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons which provide vasoconstrictor and sudomotor innervation to the face and neck region. The laryngopharyngeal nerves also offer sympathetic neurons to the carotid body, pharyngeal plexus (along with vagus and glossopharyngeal nerves), dilator pupillae smooth muscle in the eyelids and the orbitalis muscle.

References

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2022 IMAIOS.

  • Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 29: Neck’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 468.

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