The spelling of "nervus recurrens" is derived from Latin and indicates the recurrent laryngeal nerve - a critical nerve that influences the function of the larynx or voice box. In its phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ˈnɜːrvəs rɪˈkʌrənz/. The nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles responsible for sound production, thereby playing a crucial role in speech and breathing. A deviation or impairment of nerve function can lead to devastating consequences, including hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems, among others.
The nervus recurrens, also known as the recurrent laryngeal nerve, is a branch of the vagus nerve that plays a crucial role in the innervation of the larynx, or voice box. It is composed of paired nerves that are responsible for carrying motor and sensory information between the larynx and the brain.
The nervus recurrens originates in the vagus nerve, which is one of the major cranial nerves, from the brain stem. It descends into the neck, following a loop-like path around the aortic arch on the left side or the subclavian artery on the right side. This course of the nerve is known as its recurrent pathway.
The main function of the nervus recurrens is to provide motor control and sensation to the muscles of the larynx, including the vocal cords. It supplies the intrinsic muscles responsible for the contraction and relaxation of the vocal folds, enabling speech and phonation.
In addition to motor control, the nervus recurrens also carries sensory information from the larynx back to the brain. This allows for the perception of sensations such as touch, pressure, and temperature in the laryngeal region.
Due to its intricate pathway and close association with important structures like the aortic arch, the nervus recurrens is susceptible to injury or compression. Damage to this nerve can lead to a variety of symptoms, including hoarseness, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, and even paralysis of the vocal cords.
In summary, the nervus recurrens is a vital nerve that enables communication and voice production by innervating the larynx. Its intricate course and crucial functions make it an important area of study in both medical and anatomical fields.
Recurrent nerve, (1) recurrent laryngcal nerve, inferior laryngeal nerve; a branch of the vagus curving upward, on the right side round the root of the subclavian artery, on the left side round the arch of the aorta, then passing up behind the common carotid artery and between the trachea and the esophagus to the larynx, all the muscles of which, except the cricothyroid, it supplies; it also sends branches to the cardiac plexus, to the cervical portion of the trachea, and the cervical portion of the esophagus; (2) n. spinosus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "nervus recurrens" is a Latin phrase that translates to "recurring nerve" in English.
Etymologically, "nervus" derives from the Latin word "nervus", meaning "sinew" or "nerve". It is related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*(s)neu-", which refers to a tendon or cord.
The word "recurrens" is the present active participle of the Latin verb "recurrere", which means "to run back" or "to return". It is formed from the prefix "re-", indicating repetition or backward motion, and the verb "currere", which means "to run".