Published on Feb 4, 2021
Anatomy
31. Left RLN is longer 'coz
- On the LEFT, the RLN has a LONGER course to the neck than the right side. This is because it hooks under the left sixth arch artery which persists in extra-uterine life as the ductus arteriosus, a fibrous remnant which later fprms the ligamentum arteriosum.
- ALSO NOTE that on the right side, the sixth arch artery disappears and the right RLN hooks under the right fourth arch artery which later becomes the right subclavian artery.
