The nervus laryngeus recurrens, also known as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, is a vital nerve that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the larynx, or voice box. It is a branch of the vagus nerve, one of the major cranial nerves.
This nerve originates in the brainstem, specifically from the vagus nerve, which extends from the base of the brain and throughout the head, neck, and abdomen. From the vagus nerve, the nervus laryngeus recurrens descends into the chest, where it branches off and loops around the aortic arch and subclavian arteries on the right and left sides respectively.
Once it reaches around the aortic arch or subclavian artery, the nerve then ascends back up toward the larynx. It supplies sensory innervation to the larynx's mucosa, providing vital feedback related to the sensation of touch, pain, and temperature. Importantly, it also carries motor fibers, which control the movement of the muscles in the larynx, allowing for vocalization, swallowing, and coughing.
In the event of damage or injury to the nervus laryngeus recurrens, individuals may experience various symptoms depending on the extent of the damage. Common symptoms can include hoarseness, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and changes in voice quality. Surgical procedures in the neck or chest that involve the area where this nerve is located are particularly prone to potential damage, which is why great care is taken to preserve the integrity of the nervus laryngeus recurrens during such operations.
