röststrupegången

Röststrupegången, also known as the esophageal-tracheal groove, is a term used in anatomy to describe the anatomical space between the trachea and the esophagus. This region is clinically significant due to the structures it contains and its proximity to vital organs. Within this groove are important blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic tissues. The recurrent laryngeal nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve responsible for vocal cord function, travels within this area, particularly on the left side where it makes a characteristic loop around the aortic arch. The inferior thyroid artery and vein also traverse this region.

From a surgical perspective, röststrupegången is a critical area, especially during thyroidectomies and other neck surgeries. Careful identification and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve are paramount to avoid vocal cord paralysis. The close relationship between the trachea and esophagus also means that pathological processes originating in one can affect the other, such as tracheoesophageal fistulas or masses compressing these structures. Understanding the anatomy of the röststrupegången is therefore essential for diagnosis and management of a variety of conditions affecting the neck and upper airway.