Micro-neuroanatomy of the vagus, superior laryngeal, and recurrent laryngeal nerves

Abstract

The micro-neuroanatomy of the vagus nerve (VN), superior laryngeal nerve (SLN), recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), and their respective central connections are complex. While there has been some clarity amongst animal and human studies, there is considerable debate regarding central contributions and topography, as well as peripheral fiber types, topographical organization, and function. This chapter will discuss the microneuroanatomy of the central connections, neural ganglia, and each nerve separately. Meanwhile, because the micro-neuroanatomy provides information regarding the form underlying the function of the larynx, further consideration of laryngeal dysfunction is addressed through additional sections covering age-related changes, neural injury, and neural regeneration.