Abstract
Peripheral pathways and intramucosal distribution of sensory nerve fibers in the larynx and pharynx were traced in 72 cats following wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) injections into the nodose ganglion of the vagal nerve and the superior and inferior ganglia of the glossopharyngeal nerve. The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (int-SLN) is divided into three branches and innervates not only the ipsilateral mucous membrane of the supraglottis but also the ipsilateral mucous membrane of the hypopharynx from the middle level of the aryepiglottic fold to the level of the caudal end of the piriform sinus; and the bilateral mucous membrane of the subglottis between the apex of the epiglottis and the first tracheal ring. The posterior branch of the inferior laryngeal nerve (ILN) is divided into two branches and bilaterally innervates together with int-SLN, the subglottis. In the center of the lamina of the cricoid cartilage, there is a foramen through which some fibers of int-SLN and ILN enter the larynx. The tonsillolingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve is divided into four branches and innervates the lateral and posterior pharyngeal wall rostral to the level of the middle of the aryepiglottic fold, the caudal half of the soft palate, the caudal third of the tongue, the vallecula epiglottica and ipsilaterally the lingual aspect of the epiglottis.
