Berry ligament
Pronunciation: BEAR-ee LIG-ah-ment
Posterior suspensory ligament of the thyroid gland that attaches to the cricoid cartilage and first tracheal rings.
Full Definition
The Berry ligament (lateral suspensory ligament) is a condensation of the pretracheal fascia that anchors the posterior aspect of the thyroid gland to the cricoid cartilage and upper tracheal rings. This anatomical structure is surgically significant because the recurrent laryngeal nerve passes in close proximity to or through this ligament. During thyroidectomy, careful dissection of the Berry ligament is critical to avoid nerve injury. The ligament's intimate relationship with the RLN makes it a key landmark in thyroid surgery.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Berry' as it is an eponym. Avoid the possessive form 'Berry's ligament' in formal medical writing.
In Context
- "The surgeon carefully dissected the Berry ligament to visualize the recurrent laryngeal nerve." — operative report
- "Injury to the RLN often occurs during division of the Berry ligament if proper technique is not employed." — surgical complication note