Till now, there is no universal clinical classification about variations of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve despite the multiple classifications that was proposed. The aim of this research is identification and systematization of topographic types of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The study is based on the autopsy material (21 complexes organs of the neck) and on identification of variations of 40 external branches of the superior laryngeal nerve. We identify two permanent landmark that are located at the minimum distance from nerve and on which we made metrical calculations: oblique line of thyroid cartilage, tendinous arch of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle. The “entry” point of the nerve is always located on the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle,and not protruding beyond the oblique line of thyroid cartilage superiorly and tendinous arch of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle anteriorly. The proposed topographic classification of the location of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is based on localization of point of pierced of the nerve relating to the length of the oblique line of thyroid cartilage. In 64.2% of cases, the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was in close proximity to the upper pole of the thyroid gland, which could lead to its damage during surgery (type I and II). In type III and IV (35.8%) - the point of "entry" in the muscle was located as far as possible from the upper pole of the thyroid gland, and most of the nerve was covered by the fibers of the inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.