Recurrent laryngeal nerve

What does "Recurrent laryngeal nerve" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a nerve found in the neck. It's important because it helps control the muscles that allow us to speak and swallow. It's called "recurrent" because it follows a looping path in the body. Damage to this nerve can cause voice changes or difficulty swallowing.

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