ligaments of female repro Flashcards
3 categories of ligaments
broad
uterine
ovarian
broad ligament
sheet of peritoneum, associated with both uterus and ovaries
uterine ligaments
ligaments primarily associated with uterus
ovarian ligaments
ligaments primarily associated with ovaries
function of ligaments
support the female viscera and provide a conduit for neurovascular structures
3 regions of broad ligament
mesometrium
mesovarium
mesosalpinx
mesometrium (broad)
surrounds uterus
largest subsection
runs laterally to cover external iliac vessels - forms distinct fold over them
encloses proximal part of round ligament of uterus
mesovarium (broad)
part associated with ovaries
projects from posterior surface of broad and attaches to hilum of ovary, enclosing neurovascular supply
does not cover ovarian surface itself
mesosalpinx (broad)
originated superiorly to mesovarium, enclosing fallopian tubes
which organs is broad attached to
uterus
fallopian tubes
ovaries
which vessels are contained within broad ligament (which supply uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries)
ovarian and uterine arteries
what 3 other ligaments are located within the broad ligament
ovarian ligament
round ligament of uterus
suspensory ligament of ovary (aka infundibulopelvic ligament)
how is ovarian ligament attached to ovary
inferiorly
what 2 structures does it connect and how
ovary to side of uterus
explain ovarian ligament structure
fibrous band of tissue that lies within the broad ligament. joins uterus just below origin of fallopian tubes
where does suspensory ligament of ovary extend
outwards from ovary to lateral abdominal wall
structure of suspensory ligament of ovary
consists of fold of peritoneum
some consider it part of broad
function of suspensory LOO
contain ovarian vessels and nerves
ovarian artery
ovarian vein
ovarian nerve plexus
lymphatic vessels
superior aspect of uterus supported by what
broad and round ligaments
middle aspect of uterus supported by what
cardinal, pubocervical and uterosacral ligaments
inferior aspect of uterus supported by what
structures in pelvic floor - levator ani, perineal membrane and perineal body
what is round ligament remnant of
embryonic gubernaculum
where does round ligament originate
uterine horns (points at which fallopian tubes enter uterus)
where does round ligament attach
labia majora, passing through inguinal canal
why can round ligament be source of pain in pregnancy
due to increased force placed on ligament by extending uterus
cardinal ligaments aka?
lateral, transverse cervical or Mackenrodt’s ligaments
where are cardinal ligaments situated
along inferior border of broad ligament
what do cardinal ligaments house
uterine artery and uterine veins
origin and attachment of cardinal ligaments
arise from side of cervix and lateral fornix of vagina
provide extensive attachment on lateral pelvic wall at the level of the ischial spine
why would cardinal ligaments be removed during a hysterectomy due to a malignancy
common reservoir of cancerous cells
what are pubocervical ligaments
bilateral structures which attach cervix to posterior surface of pubic symphysis
function of pubocervical ligaments
support uterus within pelvic cavity
what are uterosacral ligaments
bilateral fibrous bands, which attach cervix to sacrum
uterosacral ligaments aka?
recto-uterine or sacrocervical
function of uterosacral ligaments?
supports and holds uterus in place
salpinx means
fallopian tube
