Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
The Recurrent laryngeal nerve (pronunciation: rɪˈkɜːrənt lærɪnˈdʒiːəl nɜːrv) is a branch of the vagus nerve (tenth cranial nerve) that supplies all the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, with the exception of the cricothyroid muscles.
Etymology
The term "recurrent laryngeal nerve" is derived from the Latin words "recurrentia" meaning "a return" and "laryngeus" referring to the larynx or the voice box. The nerve is so named because it loops under the right subclavian artery or the aortic arch and then ascends, or "recurs," back to the larynx.
Anatomy
The recurrent laryngeal nerve branches off from the vagus nerve in the thorax and then travels upwards, into the neck. On the right side, it hooks under the subclavian artery, while on the left side, it hooks under the aortic arch. It then ascends in the tracheoesophageal groove, supplying the mucosa and musculature of the larynx and upper trachea.
Clinical significance
Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve can result in a hoarse voice or even loss of voice (aphonia) and a condition known as vocal cord paresis. This can occur as a result of surgeries in the neck region, such as thyroid surgery, or due to tumors or other pathological conditions.
Related terms
See also
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