A 40-year-old female presented to her doctor with a lump in…
A 40-year-old female presented to her doctor with a lump in the middle of her neck. Physical examination revealed an enlarged thyroid gland. Because protrusion of her eyes and loss of weight was also detected, a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was made. Since medical treatment was not effective, a partial thyroidectomy was performed. After the operation, the patient complained of hoarseness (abnormal voice changes). Which of the following structures was most likely damaged?