Laryngopharyngeal Branches

The laryngopharyngeal branch is an additional branch of the superior vena cava, starting from the right or left pericardial foramen and flowing into the pharynx.

With the help of the laryngeal-pharyngeal branches, the distribution of venous blood from the pharynx, esophagus and lymph nodes of the head and neck into the venous system of the head and neck is ensured. Often these branches are mistakenly called pharyngeal veins. But in fact, all the veins of the pharynx are nothing more than their tributaries!

In addition to these nerves, the branches of the vagus nerve also innervate other organs of the neck (thyroid gland, upper part of the trachea, neurovascular bundle). Accordingly, damage or diseases of the laryngopharyngeal-mandibular nerves can lead to various diseases of these organs, as well as, for example, injury to the esophagus or narrowing of the trachea.