Hoarseness, stridor, and swallowing difficulties can indicate injury to which nerve?

Hoarseness, stridor, and swallowing difficulties can indicate injury to which nerve?

• A. Vagus nerve
• B. Glossopharyngeal nerve
• C. Recurrent laryngeal nerve
• D. Hypoglossal nerve

Answer: (C)

Hoarseness, stridor, and swallowing difficulties come from impaired movement and protection of the vocal folds. The recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus, innervates most intrinsic laryngeal muscles that control vocal cord motion. If this nerve is injured, the vocal cords may not move properly, causing hoarseness from a paralyzed cord and, if both cords are affected, stridor due to airway narrowing. Swallowing difficulties occur because the larynx can’t close adequately to protect the airway during swallowing. The recurrent laryngeal nerve travels in the tracheoesophageal groove, making it particularly at risk in neck or chest procedures. Other nerves listed don’t primarily control the vocal cords—hypoglossal affects the tongue, glossopharyngeal affects pharyngeal sensation and swallowing mechanics, and the vagus without specific laryngeal involvement wouldn’t explain the pattern of hoarseness with stridor and dysphagia.

Hoarseness, stridor, and swallowing difficulties come from impaired movement and protection of the vocal folds. The recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus, innervates most intrinsic laryngeal muscles that control vocal cord motion. If this nerve is injured, the vocal cords may not move properly, causing hoarseness from a paralyzed cord and, if both cords are affected, stridor due to airway narrowing. Swallowing difficulties occur because the larynx can’t close adequately to protect the airway during swallowing. The recurrent laryngeal nerve travels in the tracheoesophageal groove, making it particularly at risk in neck or chest procedures. Other nerves listed don’t primarily control the vocal cords—hypoglossal affects the tongue, glossopharyngeal affects pharyngeal sensation and swallowing mechanics, and the vagus without specific laryngeal involvement wouldn’t explain the pattern of hoarseness with stridor and dysphagia.