Anatomy & Histology · single question
A patient develops hoarseness after thyroid surgery. Which nerve is most likely injured?
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Correct answer: A. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
- A. ✅ Correct. The RECURRENT LARYNGEAL NERVE (branch of CN X vagus) innervates all intrinsic laryngeal muscles except cricothyroid. It runs in close proximity to the thyroid gland and is the most commonly injured nerve during thyroid surgery. Injury causes ipsilateral vocal cord paralysis → hoarseness.
- B. ❌ Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) innervates tongue muscles — not involved in phonation.
- C. ❌ The superior laryngeal nerve (external branch) innervates cricothyroid — injury causes pitch change but not true hoarseness.
- D. ❌ Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) provides pharyngeal sensation and taste — not involved in voice production.
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