Communication Between External and Rrecurrent Laryngeal Nerves in Human by Using Dissection Method in Shiraz Medical School

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify laryngeal nerves anastomosis by dissection methods. Materials and Methods: forty human hemi- larynxes were dissected. The recurrent and branches of superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) were dissected under steriomicroscpe and separated from the surrounding tissues. All of the nerves were dissected in order to find the connection branches between laryngeal nerves, especially between the ELN and the RLN. Results: Anastomosis between the external branch of SLN and the RLN appeared as a connecting branch throughout the cricothyroid muscle in 37.5%. Connection between RLN and internal branch of the SLN (Galen anastomosis) was also found in 100% of cases. Conclusion: There are neural connections between external branch of the SLN and RLN in human. These connections can explain unexpected findings after laryngeal nerve damages.