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Question 502
Endocrinology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
During thyroid surgery, a nerve is particularly vulnerable because of its close posteromedial relationship to the gland. Which nerve is this?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Phrenic nerve
B
Hypoglossal nerve
C
Glossopharyngeal nerve
D
Greater auricular nerve
E
Recurrent laryngeal nerve
Explanation
The recurrent laryngeal nerves lie in close posteromedial relation to the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are also situated posteriorly. These anatomical relationships are important during thyroid surgery.
Option Validity
A) The phrenic nerve is not the nerve described in the close posteromedial relationship to the thyroid gland.
B) The hypoglossal nerve is not the posteromedial thyroid nerve at risk in this relationship.
C) The glossopharyngeal nerve is not the nerve described adjacent to the posteromedial thyroid gland.
D) The greater auricular nerve does not have the relevant posteromedial relationship to the thyroid.
Further Reading
Saxena, MRCOG-1 Basic Sciences, Endocrinology: Thyroid Gland - anatomy, p. 307.