Larynx and airway: ligament of Berry: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Larynx and airway: ligament of Berry

Sample item

At which place is the recurrent laryngeal nerve most vulnerable during thyroidectomy as it approaches the larynx?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Near the ligament of Berry, where it may pass deep or through the ligament

The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs in the tracheoesophageal groove and passes close to or through the ligament of Berry, the posterior suspensory ligament of the thyroid, just before entering the larynx. It is vulnerable to traction and diathermy here. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is at risk at the upper pole.

Option by option

  • A. Over the hyoid bone

    It does not pass over the hyoid.

  • B. In the carotid sheath

    The nerve does not lie in the carotid sheath.

  • C. Near the ligament of Berry, where it may pass deep or through the ligament (correct)

    Correct. The nerve lies adjacent to Berry's ligament.

  • D. At the upper pole of the thyroid

    The upper pole is the area of risk for the external laryngeal nerve.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Near the ligament of Berry, where it may pass deep or through the ligament. The recurrent laryngeal nerve runs in the tracheoesophageal groove and passes close to or through the ligament of Berry, the posterior suspensory ligament of the thyroid, just before entering the larynx.

Why is "Over the hyoid bone" not the answer?

It does not pass over the hyoid.

Why is "In the carotid sheath" not the answer?

The nerve does not lie in the carotid sheath.

Why is "At the upper pole of the thyroid" not the answer?

The upper pole is the area of risk for the external laryngeal nerve.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: ligament of Berry in ENT. It is vulnerable to traction and diathermy here. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is at risk at the upper pole.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Larynx and airway: ligament of Berry?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.