Pharyngeal plexus in the context of Superior laryngeal nerve


Pharyngeal plexus in the context of Superior laryngeal nerve

⭐ Core Definition: Pharyngeal plexus

The pharyngeal plexus is a nerve plexus located upon the outer surface of the pharynx. It contains a motor component (derived from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)), a sensory component (derived from the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX)), and sympathetic component (derived from the superior cervical ganglion).

The plexus provides motor innervation to most muscles of the soft palate (all but the tensor veli palatini muscle) and most muscles of the pharynx (all but the stylopharyngeus muscle). The larynx meanwhile receives motor innervation from the vagus nerve (CN X) via its external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and its recurrent laryngeal nerve, and not through the pharyngeal plexus.

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Pharyngeal plexus in the context of Nerve plexus

A nerve plexus is a plexus (branching network) of intersecting nerves. A nerve plexus is composed of afferent and efferent fibers that arise from the merging of the anterior rami of spinal nerves and blood vessels. There are five spinal nerve plexuses, except in the thoracic region, as well as other forms of autonomic plexuses, many of which are a part of the enteric nervous system. The nerves that arise from the plexuses have both sensory and motor functions. These functions include muscle contraction, the maintenance of body coordination and control, and the reaction to sensations such as heat, cold, pain, and pressure. There are several plexuses in the body, including:

View the full Wikipedia page for Nerve plexus
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