What is the significance of recurrent laryngeal nerve?

The recurrent laryngeal nerves control all intrinsic muscles of the larynx except for the cricothyroid muscle. These muscles act to open, close, and adjust the tension of the vocal cords, and include the posterior cricoarytenoid muscles, the only muscle to open the vocal cords.

What do the recurrent laryngeal nerve loop around?

The recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN), also known as the inferior laryngeal nerve, is a branch of the vagus nerve (CN X) which has a characteristic loop around the right subclavian artery on the right and the aortic arch on the left before returning up to achieve the tracheoesophageal groove and then the larynx.

Why is the left recurrent laryngeal nerve more vulnerable to damage?

Relationship of the recurrent nerve to the inferior thyroid artery. The nerve often passes anterior, posterior, or through the branches of the inferior thyroid artery. Medial traction of the thyroid lobe often lifts the nerve anteriorly, thereby making it more vulnerable.

What is recurrent laryngeal nerve damage?

Recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries are a common cause of vocal cord paresis and resulting in voice changes or hoarseness. The etiology, history, and management of these injuries are complicated and requires an interprofessional approach to provide optimal medical care.

What is non recurrent?

Definition of nonrecurring : nonrecurrent specifically : unlikely to happen again —used of financial transactions that affect a profit and loss statement abnormally.

What happens if you damage laryngeal nerve?

Damage to the laryngeal nerve can result in loss of voice or obstruction to breathing. Laryngeal nerve damage can be caused by injury, tumors, surgery, or infection. Damage to the nerves of the larynx can cause hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or the loss of voice.