Larynx: internal laryngeal nerve: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Larynx: internal laryngeal nerve

Sample item

A patient after neck surgery aspirates liquids because sensation of the supraglottic larynx is lost. Which nerve is affected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

The internal laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane and gives sensation to the mucosa above the vocal cords. Its loss removes the protective cough reflex and causes aspiration. The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies sensation below the cords.

Option by option

  • A. Glossopharyngeal nerve only

    The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the oropharynx.

  • B. Recurrent laryngeal nerve

    The recurrent nerve supplies the subglottic mucosa and most intrinsic muscles.

  • C. External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve

    The external branch is motor to the cricothyroid.

  • D. Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (correct)

    Correct. The internal branch is sensory to the supraglottis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The internal laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane and gives sensation to the mucosa above the vocal cords.

Why is "Glossopharyngeal nerve only" not the answer?

The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the oropharynx.

Why is "Recurrent laryngeal nerve" not the answer?

The recurrent nerve supplies the subglottic mucosa and most intrinsic muscles.

Why is "External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve" not the answer?

The external branch is motor to the cricothyroid.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx: internal laryngeal nerve in ENT. Its loss removes the protective cough reflex and causes aspiration. The recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies sensation below the cords.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Larynx: internal laryngeal nerve?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.