Pelvic ligaments

How can ligaments be classified?

1.) structures that bind the pelvic bones together (osseus) 2.) those which support the uterus and ovaries

How do round ligaments course?

Anteriorly, passing over the pelvic brim to the anterolateral pelvic wall, through the inguinal canal, secures at the labia majora

What ligament is described as wing-like folds of parietal peritoneum; curtains that separate the pelvic cavity into anterior and posterior compartments?

Broad ligaments (not considered a major suspensory ligament)

What two groups of ligaments provide rigid support for the cervix and maintain its normal axis? (They're perpendicular to the vaginal canal)

Cardinal ligaments and uterosacral ligaments

This ligament arises from the lateral pelvic wall and extends to the lateral side of the ovary and infundibulum of the the uterine tube. Within the folds of peritoneum are contained ______ _____

Infundibulopelvic ligament, aka suspensory ligament of the ovary; contains ovarian vessels.

The part of the uterine broad ligament that is on its free margin, where fallopian tubes travel.

Mesosalpinx

The part of the uterine broad ligament that is a double layer of peritoneum anchoring the anterior surface of the ovary to the posterior surface of the broad ligament

Mesovarium; a short, double fold of peritoneum that extends from the posterior aspect of the broad ligament to the ovarian hilum.

How do broad ligaments appear sonographically?

Region of medium to low-level echoes extending from the uterine cornua to the ovary.

What ligament is responsible for the anterior tilt of the uterus and aids in stabilizing the fundus of the uterus?

Round ligaments

What two sets of ligaments aren't true ligaments but are folds of peritoneum?

Round ligaments and suspensory (aka infundibulopelvic) ligaments.

What ligaments are fibromuscular bands that extend from the uterine cornua to the labia majora?

Round ligaments; they frequently cause pain during pregnancy.

What three groups of paired ligaments provide structural support to the uterus?

Round, cardinal, and sacro-uterine ligaments

What does the infundibulopelvic ligament help the broad ligament do?

Support the uterine tubes and ovaries

What ligament connects the lateral side of the ovary to the pelvic side walls and vessels of the ovaries pass through them?

Suspensory, aka infundibulopelvic ligaments

Adnexa

The space in the peritoneal cavity that's posterior to the broad ligaments; consists of ovaries, fallopian tubes, vessels, and ligaments.

What pelvic ligament has ovarian vessels that pass through it?

The suspensory ligament, aka the infundibulopelvic ligament

Parametrium

The tissue (fat and conn tissue) between the two layers of the broad ligaments; contains loose connective tissue, smooth muscle, BVs, and nerves

Utero-sacral ligaments are _____ ______ that lie on either side of the rectum and connect the posterior aspect of the cervix to the _____

They are peritoneal extensions connecting the posterior aspect of the cervix to the sacrum.

Cardinal ligaments are also known as _____ _____ _____

Transverse cervical ligaments

At the distal portion of the cardinal ligaments, they are known as what?

Utero-sacral ligaments

Ligaments are either extensions of _____ ______ or _________ _____ that maintain the position of the uterus.

Either extensions of parietal peritoneum or fibromuscular cords

The part of the uterine broad ligament that constitutes the largest portion of the broad ligament?

Mesometrium

What are the three subdivisions of the broad ligaments of the uterus?

Mesometrium, mesovarium, and mesosalpinx

What ligament courses between layers of broad ligaments?

Round ligaments

What are some examples of osseus ligaments?

Sacro-iliac, sacro-sciatic, sacro-coccygeal, and pubic ligaments.

What do broad ligaments cover?

The anterior and posterior surfaces of the uterus, extending to the pelvic lateral walls: most of the fallopian tubes, round ligaments of uterus, uterine vessels, ovarian ligament, and a portion of the ovarian vessels.

This ligament lies within the peritoneal folds of the broad ligament and supports the medial aspect of the ovary to the uterine cornua.

Proper ovarian ligament

What are the two sets of paired ligaments that assist ovaries in maintaining their position in the adnexal regions?

Proper ovarian ligaments and infundibulopelvic (aka suspensory) ligaments