laryngeal nerve, recurrent

laryngeal nerve, recurrent One of the branches of the vagus nerve, a long and important nerve that originates in the brain stem. After the recurrent laryngeal nerve leaves the vagus nerve, it goes down into the chest and then loops back up, to supply nerves to the larynx (the voice box). It is said to be recurrent because it returns in its course to the larynx. See also laryngeal palsy.