The broad ligament of the uterus is the wide fold of
peritoneum
The peritoneum is the serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity or coelom in amniotes and some invertebrates, such as annelids. It covers most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs, and is composed of a layer of mesotheli ...
that connects the sides of the
uterus
The uterus (from Latin ''uterus'', : uteri or uteruses) or womb () is the hollow organ, organ in the reproductive system of most female mammals, including humans, that accommodates the embryonic development, embryonic and prenatal development, f ...
to the walls and floor of the
pelvis
The pelvis (: pelves or pelvises) is the lower part of an Anatomy, anatomical Trunk (anatomy), trunk, between the human abdomen, abdomen and the thighs (sometimes also called pelvic region), together with its embedded skeleton (sometimes also c ...
.
Structure
Subdivisions
Contents
The contents of the broad ligament include the following:
* Reproductive
** uterine tubes (or fallopian tube)
** ovary (some sources consider the ovary to be on the broad ligament, but not in it.)
* vessels
**
ovarian artery
The ovarian artery is an artery that supplies oxygenated blood to the ovary in females. It arises from the abdominal aorta below the renal artery. It can be found within the suspensory ligament of the ovary, anterior to the ovarian vein and urete ...
(in the suspensory ligament)
**
uterine artery (in reality, travels in the cardinal ligament)
* ligaments
**
ovarian ligament
The ovarian ligament (also called the utero-ovarian ligament or proper ovarian ligament) is a fibrous ligament that connects the ovary to the lateral surface of the uterus.
Structure
The ovarian ligament is composed of muscular and fibrous tissue ...
**
round ligament of uterus
The round ligament of the uterus is a ligament that connects the uterus to the labia majora. It originates at the junction of the uterus and uterine tube. It passes through the inguinal canal to insert at the labium majus.
The two round ligame ...
**
suspensory ligament of the ovary
The suspensory ligament of the ovary, also infundibulopelvic ligament (commonly abbreviated IP ligament or simply IP), is a fold of peritoneum that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis.
Some sources consider it a part of the broad ...
(Some sources consider it a part of the broad ligament, while other sources just consider it a "termination" of the ligament.
)
Relations
The
peritoneum
The peritoneum is the serous membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity or coelom in amniotes and some invertebrates, such as annelids. It covers most of the intra-abdominal (or coelomic) organs, and is composed of a layer of mesotheli ...
surrounds the
uterus
The uterus (from Latin ''uterus'', : uteri or uteruses) or womb () is the hollow organ, organ in the reproductive system of most female mammals, including humans, that accommodates the embryonic development, embryonic and prenatal development, f ...
like a flat sheet that folds over its
fundus, covering it anteriorly and posteriorly; on the sides of the uterus, this sheet of peritoneum comes in direct contact with itself, forming the double layer of peritoneum known as the broad ligament of the uterus.
The part where this peritoneal sheet is folded (i.e. the free edge) has the
uterine tubes running between the two layers; this part is known as the
mesosalpinx.
Function
The broad ligament serves as a
mesentery
In human anatomy, the mesentery is an Organ (anatomy), organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall, consisting of a double fold of the peritoneum. It helps (among other functions) in storing Adipose tissue, fat and allowi ...
for the uterus, ovaries, and the uterine tubes. It helps in maintaining the uterus in its position, but it is not a major contributing factor.
Clinical significance
Broad ligament hernias are rare. Due to their vague clinical presentation they are difficult to distinguish from other types of internal hernias, which can cause small bowel obstruction.
Additional images
File:Gray1108.png, Broad ligament of adult, showing epoƶphoron
See also
*
Cardinal ligament
*
Pelvic diaphragm
The pelvic floor or pelvic diaphragm is an anatomical location in the human body which has an important role in urinary and anal continence, sexual function, and support of the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor includes muscles, both skeletal and ...
*
Parametrium
References
External links
*
*
* - Mammal, female overview (Gross, Medium)"
Diagram at med.mun.ca*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Broad Ligament Of The Uterus
Ligaments
Mammal female reproductive system