The afferent limb of the "gag reflex" is mediated predominantly by the CN IX, while the efferent limb is carried by the CN X.

Larynx

Stratified squamous epithelium is found only in the oropharynx, laryngopharynx, anterior epiglottis, upper half of the posterior epiglottis, and the true vocal cords/folds.

The laryngeal vestibule is the space at the top of the larynx bordered by the lower half of the posterior epiglottis antero-superiorly and by the vestibular folds (or false vocal cords) inferiorly.

That upper airway region down to trachea is covered with ciliated, pseudostratified, columnar mucus-secreting epithelium

The recurrent laryngeal nerve travels close proximity to the inferior thyroid artery & can be injured --> vocal cord paralysis

The EXTERNAL branch of superior laryngeal nerve can be misligated due to its proximity to superior thyroid artery --> denervate cricothyroid muscle, which acts to tense the vocal cords --> hoarse voice with limited range of pitch

The INTERNAL branch of superior laryngeal nerve supplies sensation over supraglottic area and serves as afferent limb of cough reflex; it runs superficially under the mucosa of piriform recesses in larynx and can be damaged due to trauma, Sx, FB, etc.

Zenker's diverticulum

Pharyngoesophageal false diverticulum;

Esophageal dysmotility causes herniation of

mucosal tissue at Killian triangle between the thyropharyngeal and cricopharyngeal parts of

the inferior pharyngeal constrictor.