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Intrinsic muscles and distribution of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the pig larynx

  • Laryngology
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Abstract

To use the pig larynx in studies of laryngeal reinnervation, it is essential to have a clear understanding of its anatomy. We aimed to define the macroscopic anatomy of the intrinsic muscles and the course of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in the pig larynx. Twelve large white pig larynges were used. Five larynges were preserved in formalin, then dissected to study the anatomy of the intrinsic muscles. Seven larynges were stained using the modified Sihler’s staining technique, which results in nerves being stained dark purple while the remainder of the larynx is rendered translucent. The intrinsic muscles of the pig larynx were similar to those in the human. The RLN gives off a branch that enters the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA) on its deep surface and supplies the entire muscle, although the branching pattern of the nerve within the muscle varies considerably. These results facilitate detailed reinnervation studies in the pig laryngeal transplant model.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr. Gerard Coles, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, for the use of microscopy and image capture facilities, the staff at the University of Bristol Veterinary Sciences Building for assistance with provision and fixing of specimens, and Ira Sanders for kind advice on fixation technique.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Surgery of the Department of Anatomy and Clinical Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

    Melanie J. Knight, Stephen E. McDonald & Martin A. Birchall

  2. ENT Department, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5ND, UK

    Stephen E. McDonald

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  1. Melanie J. Knight
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  2. Stephen E. McDonald
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  3. Martin A. Birchall
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Correspondence to Stephen E. McDonald.

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Knight, M.J., McDonald, S.E. & Birchall, M.A. Intrinsic muscles and distribution of the recurrent laryngeal nerve in the pig larynx. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 262, 281–285 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-004-0803-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-004-0803-3

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