Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve: Anatomical perspective

The recurrent laryngeal nerve can be a real challenge to the surgeon operating in its area. This article highlights the normal anatomy, anatomical variants and ways to identify the nerve as the consequences of its injury can have a life changing impact on both the patient and the surgeon. It should be borne in mind that the anatomy of recurrent laryngeal nerve differs between both sides. These anatomical differences between the course of the nerve on both sides could be attributed to the embryological development which varies between sides.