Which cranial nerve is responsible for hyolaryngeal movement during swallowing?

• A. Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)
• B. Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
• C. Vagus nerve (X)
• D. Facial nerve (VII)

Answer: (C)

Swallowing safely depends on lifting and moving the hyoid and larynx (hyolaryngeal excursion) so the airway is protected and the bolus can pass into the esophagus. The nerve that provides the motor control to the muscles that move the larynx during this phase is the vagus nerve. Its branches (the recurrent and superior laryngeal nerves) innervate the intrinsic laryngeal muscles that position and adjust the larynx and vocal apparatus during swallow. Although other nerves contribute to hyoid movement through the suprahyoid and related muscles, the coordination and movement of the laryngeal structures necessary for hyolaryngeal excursion are driven by the vagus nerve.