Which cranial nerve provides sensory feedback from the larynx?

The cranial nerve responsible for providing sensory feedback from the larynx is the vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve ten (CN10). This nerve plays a crucial role in the autonomic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract, but specifically, it is the sensory fibers of the vagus nerve that innervate the larynx.

The vagus nerve supplies sensory information from the laryngeal mucosa, including sensations of touch, pain, and temperature, which are vital for reflexes like coughing and swallowing. This sensory input is essential for protecting the airway and maintaining efficient vocalization and sound production.

In contrast, other mentioned cranial nerves serve different functions. The vestibulocochlear nerve (CN8) is primarily involved in hearing and balance, while the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN9) does provide some sensation to a nearby region, such as the oropharynx, and contributes to the gag reflex, but it does not innervate the larynx directly. The spinal accessory nerve (CN11) is primarily responsible for motor control of certain muscles in the neck and shoulders and does not provide sensory feedback from the larynx. Therefore, the vagus nerve