Which nerve's stimulation can trigger a laryngospasm?

The superior laryngeal nerve is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the mucosa of the larynx above the vocal cords and motor innervation to the cricothyroid muscle, which plays a role in tensioning the vocal cords. When this nerve is stimulated, especially during procedures that involve manipulation of the larynx, it can lead to a reflexive laryngospasm. This involuntary spasm of the laryngeal muscles causes closure of the vocal cords, which can obstruct airflow and lead to difficulty breathing.

In situations involving anesthesia or airway management, understanding the role of the superior laryngeal nerve is crucial, as its stimulation can provoke a strong protective mechanism, resulting in laryngospasm. Recognizing this can help healthcare providers anticipate and manage such complications effectively during procedures involving the airway.

While the glossopharyngeal nerve is involved in taste and gag reflex, the hypoglossal nerve innervates tongue muscles, and the recurrent laryngeal nerve primarily affects vocal cord movement, neither of these directly triggers a laryngospasm in the same way as the superior laryngeal nerve.