Thyroepiglottic muscle

The thyroepiglottic muscle is a muscle in the throat that connects the thyroid cartilage to the epiglottis. It serves to help move the epiglottis and close the laryngeal aditus (opening to the larynx).

Origin
The thyroepiglottic muscle originates from the thyroid cartilage, at the inner surface of the anterior section near the Adam's apple. Because they share a common origin, the thyroepiglottic muscle is often considered a part of the thyroarytenoid muscle, although their insertions are distinct.

Insertion
The thyroepiglottic muscle inserts into the epiglottis, at the lateral border.

Action
The thyroepiglottic muscle moves the epiglottis to aid in closing the laryngeal aditus (the airway from the pharynx into the larynx).

Innervation
The thyroepiglottic muscle is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagus nerve (CN X).