Which nerve innervates all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except cricothyroid?

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is primarily responsible for innervating all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, with the notable exception of the cricothyroid muscle. This muscle is actually innervated by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the vagus nerve and supplies the majority of the laryngeal musculature, allowing for key actions such as vocal cord tension and glottic closure during phonation.

Therefore, the recurrent laryngeal nerve's role is critical in controlling the movements of vocal cords essential for sound production and protecting the airway. Understanding this neural anatomy is fundamental for comprehending the mechanics of voice production and airway management in anesthesia and critical care settings.