The difference in length between the laryngeal nerves on both sides is one of the factors that may affect the synchronicity of nerve impulses arrival to laryngeal muscles and therefore the synchronicity of vocal fold function. As there are very few studies on the length of these nerves, the goal of this work is to study the length and morphology of whole laryngeal nerves in a much larger human sample, taking into account side, gender and path variations. 111 necks from human embalmed cadavers were dissected (58 females, 53 males). All laryngeal nerves on both sides and their variations were measured and a statistical analysis of the results was carried out.
In reference to the side of corpses, significant differences were found between both recurrent inferior laryngeal nerves and both internal and external laryngeal nerves with the superior laryngeal nerves, being greater on the left side in all cases. In reference to the gender of the corpses, significant differences were found between the lengths of both external laryngeal nerves, being greater in males in all cases. A non-recurrent laryngeal nerve and an absence of superior laryngeal nerve were found. The intramuscular path of the external laryngeal nerve was analysed (Friedman’s classification). All laryngeal nerves are significantly longer on the left side. These differences may affect the synchronicity of glottic opening and closure. Therefore, these results would have to be taken into account in functional studies (neurostimulation, electromyography) and in clinical procedures (reinnervation, denervation).
