Broad ligament

Broad Ligament

The broad ligament is a significant structure in the female pelvis, playing a crucial role in supporting the uterus and maintaining the position of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is a double layer of peritoneum that extends from the sides of the uterus to the lateral walls of the pelvis.

Anatomy

The broad ligament is divided into three main parts:

• Mesometrium: This is the largest portion of the broad ligament, extending from the lateral pelvic walls to the body of the uterus. It supports the uterus and contains the uterine artery and uterine vein.

• Mesosalpinx: This portion of the broad ligament encloses the fallopian tubes. It is located superior to the mesometrium and provides a pathway for the blood vessels and nerves that supply the fallopian tubes.

• Mesovarium: This is the part of the broad ligament that attaches to the ovaries. It is a short peritoneal fold that connects the anterior border of the ovary to the posterior layer of the broad ligament.

Function

The broad ligament serves several important functions:

• Support: It helps to support the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes, maintaining their position within the pelvic cavity.

• Conduit for Vessels and Nerves: The broad ligament contains essential blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics that supply the uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes.

• Pathway for Structures: It provides a pathway for the round ligament of the uterus, the ovarian ligament, and the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

Clinical Significance

The broad ligament is of clinical importance in several contexts:

• Surgical Access: During gynecological surgeries, such as hysterectomy or oophorectomy, the broad ligament is often manipulated to access the uterus and ovaries.

• Pathological Conditions: Conditions such as broad ligament cysts or broad ligament fibroids can arise, which may require surgical intervention.

• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the broad ligament stretches to accommodate the growing uterus, which can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain known as "round ligament pain."

Related Structures

• Round ligament of the uterus
• Ovarian ligament
• Suspensory ligament of the ovary

See Also

• Female reproductive system
• Pelvic anatomy

References

• Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2013). Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
• Netter, F. H. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy. Elsevier.