Which nerve does NOT contribute to sensory innervation of the larynx?

The correct choice is the external laryngeal nerve, as it primarily provides motor innervation rather than sensory innervation to the larynx. Specifically, the external laryngeal nerve branches from the superior laryngeal nerve, which is a branch of the vagus nerve. Its main function is to innervate the cricothyroid muscle, which plays a vital role in adjusting pitch by tensing the vocal cords.

In contrast, the internal laryngeal nerve, another branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, is responsible for sensory innervation above the vocal cords. The recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve, provides sensory innervation below the vocal cords, which is crucial for protecting the airway during swallowing and other activities. The vagus nerve itself is the overarching nerve responsible for various functions, including both motor and sensory innervation of the larynx. Therefore, the external laryngeal nerve does not contribute to the sensory innervation of the larynx, making it the correct answer in this context.