Recurrent nerve

The recurrent nerve (lat. n. recurrens) is one of the branches of the vagus nerve. It departs from the vagus (vagus nerve) at the level of the aortic arch, bends around it from behind and rises up the lateral surface of the trachea.

There are right and left recurrent nerves. The right recurrent nerve departs below the left and bends around the right subclavian artery. The left recurrent nerve departs higher, at the level of the aortic arch, goes around it and goes upward.

The recurrent nerve innervates the muscles of the larynx and pharynx. Damage to the recurrent nerve leads to weakening of the voice and difficulty swallowing.