What is the inferior branch of the vagus nerve called?

The inferior branch of the vagus nerve is called the recurrent laryngeal nerve. This nerve plays a crucial role in motor innervation to the majority of the intrinsic muscles of the larynx, with the key exception of the cricothyroid muscle. It is responsible for functions related to voice production and the protection of the airway during swallowing.

The recurrent laryngeal nerve branches off the vagus nerve in the thorax and subsequently ascends back toward the larynx, giving it its name. Its pathway is significant; on the right side, it loops around the right subclavian artery, and on the left side, it loops under the aortic arch before returning upward to the larynx.

Understanding the anatomy and function of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is essential for recognizing its implications in various clinical conditions, especially those related to voice and airway management.