Anatomy & Histology · single question
After thyroidectomy a patient has a hoarse voice. Which nerve was most likely injured?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
- A. Correct. The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs near the thyroid and supplies most intrinsic laryngeal muscles; injury causes hoarseness/vocal cord paralysis.
- B. The external superior laryngeal branch (cricothyroid) injury causes voice fatigue/pitch change, not classic hoarseness.
- C. The hypoglossal nerve controls tongue movement, not the vocal cords.
- D. The glossopharyngeal nerve mediates posterior tongue sensation/taste and pharyngeal function, not phonation.
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