Main Model
Piriform recess
The piriform fossa (recess) is a small depression of the laryngopharyngeal cavity on either side of the laryngeal inlet. This mucosa-lined fossa is separated from the laryngeal inlet by the ary-epiglottic fold. Laterally, the piriform fossa is bounded by the medial surfaces of the thyroid cartilage and the thyrohyoid membrane. Branches of the internal laryngeal and recurrent laryngeal nerves lie deep to the mucous membrane of the piriform fossa and are vulnerable to injury when a foreign body lodges in the fossa.