Intermediate Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Quiz

Q1. Where does the left recurrent laryngeal nerve branch from the left vagus nerve?

• Near the aortic arch in the superior mediastinum
• At the diaphragm
• Within the cranial cavity
• Within the posterior abdominal wall

Q2. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve loops beneath the aortic arch near which transition?

• Junction of the aortic arch with the descending thoracic aorta
• Junction of the ascending aorta with the left ventricle
• Junction of the pulmonary trunk with the right ventricle
• Junction of the superior vena cava with the right atrium

Q3. Which space is closely related to the left recurrent laryngeal nerve as it loops beneath the aortic arch?

• Space between the sternum and right ventricle only
• Space between the superior vena cava and right atrium
• Space within the azygos arch
• Region between the aortic arch and left pulmonary artery

Q4. After completing its loop, the recurrent laryngeal nerve usually ascends in which groove?

• Intertubercular groove
• Coronary sulcus
• Costal groove
• Tracheoesophageal groove

Q5. Which sensory territory is supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve within the larynx?

• Laryngeal mucosa above the vocal folds only
• Oral mucosa of the tongue
• Laryngeal mucosa below the vocal folds
• Skin over the anterior neck

Q6. Which nerve supplies sensation to the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal folds?

• Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
• Recurrent laryngeal nerve
• External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
• Phrenic nerve

Q7. Which intrinsic laryngeal muscle supplied by the recurrent laryngeal nerve is the principal abductor of the vocal folds?

• Stylopharyngeus
• Posterior cricoarytenoid
• Mylohyoid
• Cricothyroid

Q8. Which thoracic condition can affect the left recurrent laryngeal nerve because of its relationship with the aortic arch?

• Femoral hernia
• Appendicitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Aortic arch aneurysm

Q9. Which feature explains why thoracic pathology more commonly involves the left recurrent laryngeal nerve than the right?

• The right nerve passes through the left lung
• The left nerve has a substantial intrathoracic course
• Only the left nerve supplies the larynx
• The right nerve is purely sensory

Q10. What is the recurrent laryngeal nerve commonly called after it enters the larynx?

• Inferior laryngeal nerve
• Internal laryngeal nerve
• External laryngeal nerve
• Glossopharyngeal nerve