Which nerve supplies sensory innervation to the larynx below the vocal cords?

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is indeed responsible for providing sensory innervation to the larynx below the vocal cords. This nerve branches off from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) and plays a crucial role in the motor function of most intrinsic laryngeal muscles, except for the cricothyroid muscle, which is innervated by the external laryngeal nerve. In its sensory role, the recurrent laryngeal nerve carries sensations from the mucous membrane below the vocal cords, which is important for protective reflexes such as coughing.

Understanding the other options provides useful context. The internal laryngeal nerve, a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, supplies sensory innervation above the vocal cords. The external laryngeal nerve, also a branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, primarily provides motor function to the cricothyroid muscle and does not provide sensory innervation below the vocal cords. The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) has a role in the sensory supply of the oropharynx and posterior third of the tongue but does not innervate the larynx directly. Therefore, the recurrent laryngeal nerve is the