A 54-Year-Old Woman Is Evaluated for a Painless Thyroid Nodule

A 54-year-old woman is evaluated for a painless thyroid nodule.  She has had no weight changes, heat or cold intolerance, hoarseness, or dyspnea.  Medical history is notable for mild hypertension, for which she takes appropriate medications.  The patient does not use tobacco or alcohol.  Physical examination shows a 3-cm, firm nodule in the right thyroid lobe and enlarged, right cervical lymph nodes.  TSH is normal, and fine-needle aspiration of the nodule shows papillary structures with nuclear atypia.  Total thyroidectomy is planned.  During the surgery, a nearby nerve is injured while ligating an artery entering the superior pole of the thyroid lobe.  Which of the following muscles is most likely to be denervated as a result of this injury?

A) Aryepiglotticus
B) Cricothyroid
C) Lateral cricoarytenoid
D) Posterior cricoarytenoid
E) Thyroarytenoid

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free