Anatomy & Histology · single question
Which nerve is at risk of damage during thyroid surgery, and its injury causes hoarseness of voice?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
- A. The hypoglossal nerve (CN XII) innervates tongue muscles — not the larynx.
- B. The superior laryngeal nerve injury causes loss of sensation in the larynx and weakens pitch changes but the classic hoarseness from thyroid surgery is the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
- C. Correct. The recurrent laryngeal nerve (branch of CN X/vagus) innervates most intrinsic laryngeal muscles, including those controlling vocal cord movement. Damage during thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, or neck surgery causes hoarseness (unilateral) or aphonia (bilateral).
- D. The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) innervates the pharynx/posterior tongue — not the larynx.
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