Ligaments of Female Reproductive Tract

Question 1

What 3 categories can the ligaments of the female reproductive tract be divided into?

Answer 1

1. Broad ligament
2. Uterine ligaments
3. Ovarian ligaments

Question 2

What is the broad ligament?

Answer 2

A flat sheet of peritoneum, associated with the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Question 3

Describe course of broad ligament

Answer 3

It extends from the lateral pelvic walls on both sides, and folds over the internal female genitalia, covering their surface anteriorly and posteriorly.

Question 4

What regions can the broad ligament be divided into?

Answer 4

1. Mesometrium
2. Mesovarium
3. Mesosalpinx

Question 5

What is the largest subsection of the broad ligament?

Answer 5

Mesometrium

Question 6

What does the mesometrium surround?

Answer 6

The uterus

Question 7

Describe course of mesometrium

Answer 7

It runs laterally to cover the external iliac vessels, forming a distinct fold over them.

Question 8

What does the mesometrium enclose?

Answer 8

Covers external iliac vessels, encloses proximal part of round ligament of uterus

Question 9

What is the part of the broad ligament associated with the ovaries?

Answer 9

Mesovarium

Question 10

Where does the mesovarium project from and what does it attach to?

Answer 10

It projects from the posterior surface of the broad ligament and attaches to the hilum of the ovary, enclosing its neurovascular supply.

Question 11

Does the mesovarium cover the surface of the ovary itself?

Answer 11

No

Question 12

What does the mesosalpinx enclose?

Answer 12

Originates superiorly to the mesovarium, enclosing the fallopian tubes.

Question 13

What are the ovarian and uterine arteries contained within?

Answer 13

The broad ligament

Question 14

What are the 2 main ligaments that attach to the ovary?

Answer 14

The ovarian ligament and suspensory ligament of ovary.

Question 15

Where does the ovarian ligament attach to?

Answer 15

Attaches from superior surface of uterus to ovary inferiorly

Question 16

Where does the suspensory ligament of the ovary attach from/to?

Answer 16

Extends outwards from the ovary to the lateral abdominal wall.

Question 17

What does the suspensory ligament of the ovary consist of?

Answer 17

It consists of a fold of peritoneum, thus some sources consider it to be part of the broad ligament.

Question 18

What does the ovarian ligament lie within?

Answer 18

The broad ligament

Question 19

What is the function of the suspensory ligament of the ovary?

Answer 19

Contains the ovarian vessels and nerves (ovarian artery, ovarian vein, ovarian nerve plexus and lymphatic vessels).

Question 20

How can the ligamentous structures attached to the uterus be divided?

Answer 20

By where they attach to the uterus:

• Superior aspect
• Middle aspect

Question 21

What is the superior aspect of the uterus supported by?

Answer 21

supported by the broad ligament and the round ligaments.

Question 22

What is the middle aspect of the uterus supported by?

Answer 22

supported by the cardinal, pubocervical and uterosacral ligaments.

Question 23

What is the inferior aspect of the uterus supported by?

Answer 23

Structures in the pelvic floor: the levator ani, perineal membrane and perineal body.

Question 24

What is the round ligament a remnant of?

Answer 24

Female gubernaculum

Question 25

Where does the round ligament originate/attach to?

Answer 25

It originates at the uterine horns (the points at which the fallopian tubes enter the uterus), and attaches to the labia majora, passing through the inguinal canal.

Question 26

Why can the round ligament be a source of pain during pregnancy?

Answer 26

due to the increased force placed on the ligament by the expanding uterus.

Question 27

What are the cardinal ligaments?

Answer 27

The cardinal ligaments are also known as the lateral, transverse cervical, or Mackenrodt’s ligaments.

They are situated along the inferior border of the broad ligament and house the uterine artery and uterine veins.

Question 28

Where are the uterine artery and vein found?

Answer 28

In cardinal ligaments within broad ligament

Question 29

Where do cardinal ligaments arise?

Answer 29

These ligaments arise from the side of the cervix and the lateral fornix of the vagina

Question 30

What is function of cardinal ligaments?

Answer 30

House uterine artery and vein.

They provide an extensive attachment on the lateral pelvic wall at the level of the ischial spines.

Question 31

What do some fibres of the cardinal ligaments interdigitate with?

Answer 31

fibres from the uterosacral ligaments.

Question 32

When a hysterectomy is performed due to a malignancy, why are the cardinal ligaments often removed?

Answer 32

As they are common reservoir of cancerous cells.

Question 33

What are the pubocervical ligaments?

Answer 33

Bilateral structures, which attach the cervix to the posterior surface of the pubic symphysis. They function to support the uterus within the pelvic cavity.

Question 34

What are the uterosacral ligaments?

Answer 34

bilateral fibrous bands, which attach the cervix to the sacrum. They are also known as the recto-uterine ligaments or sacrocervical ligaments. This supports the uterus and holds it in place.