RESUMO
AIM: It remains of great interest of many scientists to establish the motor innervation of the larynx. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors of this study analyzed available literature regarding progress in research in motor innervation of the larynx. RESULTS: Vocal folds paralysis may occur in central as well as in peripheral lesions. The movement of internal laryngeal muscles is controlled by efferent fibers of recurrent laryngeal nerves. For over 150 years intensive research has been conducted on efferent laryngeal innervation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have commented on its progress since the second half of the XIXth century until present day. Results of the scientific investigation on the nature of laryngeal nerve supply performed by Felix Semon has been discussed.