**Core Concept**
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that plays a crucial role in controlling the muscles of the larynx and regulating voice production. In the neck, it passes close to the thyroid gland and pierces through it before reaching the larynx.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The recurrent laryngeal nerve pierces the thyroid gland due to its anatomical relationship with the gland. As it descends from the cricoid cartilage, it passes behind the thyroid gland and then pierces through it to reach the larynx. This anatomical relationship is essential for the nerve to innervate the muscles of the larynx. The recurrent laryngeal nerve is responsible for the motor innervation of the posterior cricoarytenoid muscle, the only muscle that can abduct the vocal folds, and the lateral cricoarytenoid muscle, which adducts the vocal folds.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The superior laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that divides into the internal and external laryngeal nerves. It does not pierce the thyroid gland; instead, it passes above the thyroid gland and divides into its branches.

**Option B:** The inferior laryngeal nerve is actually an alternate name for the recurrent laryngeal nerve, particularly in some anatomical texts. However, in the context of this question, it is an incorrect option as it is a synonym for the correct answer.

**Option D:** There is no such nerve as the posterior laryngeal nerve in the human body. This option is a distractor and is not a valid anatomical structure.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a critical structure that is at risk during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Damage to this nerve can result in vocal fold paralysis, which can lead to significant respiratory and voice production problems.

**✓ Correct Answer: C. Recurrent laryngeal nerve**