Intermediate
Technical
IVT
recurrent laryngeal nerve
Branch of the vagus nerve that innervates most intrinsic laryngeal muscles; injury causes vocal cord paralysis.
Full Definition
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that provides motor innervation to all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid muscle. In head and neck oncology, this nerve is at risk during thyroid surgery, neck dissections, and mediastinal procedures. Injury results in vocal cord paralysis with consequent voice changes and potential aspiration risk. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve has a longer course around the aortic arch, making it more vulnerable to injury.
Usage
Usage note: Commonly abbreviated as RLN in surgical documentation.
In Context
- "Intraoperative nerve monitoring confirmed preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve." — Operative note
- "The patient developed left recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy following thyroidectomy." — Post-operative note
Also known as
RLN
Don't confuse with
superior laryngeal nerve
external branch of superior laryngeal nerve