Thyroid muscle (M. Thyroepiglotticus, Pna; M. Thyreoepiglotticus, Bna, Jna)

The thyroid epiglottis muscle (m. thyroepiglotticus) is a small muscle that runs from the thyroid cartilage to the epiglottic folds. Its name comes from the Latin words "thyro", meaning thyroid cartilage, and "epiglotticus", meaning epiglottis.

This muscle plays an important role in the swallowing process, as it is involved in raising and lowering the epiglottis. When we swallow food, the operculum closes the entrance to the airways to prevent food from entering the lungs. The thyroglottic muscle helps lift the epiglottis upward and open the way for food into the esophagus.

According to the List of Anatomical Terms, there are different spelling options for the name of the thyroid epiglottis muscle: m. thyroepiglotticus (PNA), m. thyreoepiglotticus (BNA) and m. thyroarytaenoideus superior (JNA). However, they all refer to the same muscle.

Although the thyroid epiglottis muscle is small, it plays an important role in the swallowing process and is necessary for the proper functioning of the respiratory and digestive systems. Even though it is not the most famous muscle in the body, its importance should not be underestimated.

The thyroglottic muscle is one of the muscles of the larynx. It is located in the front of the larynx, behind the thyroid cartilage, and takes part in the narrowing of the vocal tract. This muscle is connected to its tendon on the mandibular bone.

The anatomical significance of this muscle is that it participates in the functioning of the larynx along with other anatomical structures. It also plays a role in maintaining the shape of the vocal cords, which perform the function of producing vocal sound. In addition, it may be involved in other functions of the larynx, such as regulating breathing, suppressing coughs, and changing the tone of the voice in certain situations or medical conditions.