During thyroidectomy, the recurrent laryngeal nerve is at risk. Which muscle is NOT paralyzed if the nerve is severed?
- A Cricothyroid ✓
- B Posterior cricoarytenoid
- C Lateral cricoarytenoid
- D Thyroarytenoid
Correct answer: A. Cricothyroid
Explanation
The cricothyroid muscle is the only intrinsic laryngeal muscle supplied by the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve, not the recurrent laryngeal nerve. All other intrinsic laryngeal muscles (posterior cricoarytenoid, lateral cricoarytenoid, transverse arytenoid, oblique arytenoid, thyroarytenoid, and vocalis) are innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Preserved cricothyroid function following RLN injury allows some continued vocal cord tension.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.