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USMLE Mnemonics & Tips
• Internal vs. External Laryngeal: Internal is Inside and Insignificant for motor: It stays "inside" the larynx to provide sensory above the cords. External is Extra-motor: It supplies the cricothyroid muscle.
• The Three Reflexes: Gag: CN IX (In), CN X (Out). Cough: CN X (Internal laryngeal - In), CN X (Recurrent laryngeal/Phrenic/Intercostals - Out). Jaw Jerk: CN V3 (In), CN V3 (Out).
• Salivation: Remember "7, 9, 12" for glands. CN 7 (Submandibular/Sublingual), CN 9 (Parotid).
• Autonomic "COPS": Ciliary (III), Otic (IX), Pterygopalatine (VII), Submandibular (VII).
• Histology: True vocal cords = Stratified Squamous (protection). Most other larynx = Ciliated pseudostratified columnar.