Table 42.3 Supporting Structures for the Uterus, uterine tubes, and ovaries

Broad Ligament

fold of the pertioneum that drapes over the superior utreus to enclose the uterus and uterine tubes and anchors them to the lateral body walls

Mesometrium

portion of the broad ligament that supports the uterus laterally (mesentery of the uterus)

Round ligaments

anchor the uterus to the anterior pelvic wall by descending through the mesometrium and the inguinal canal; attach to the skin of one of the labia majora

Uterosacral ligaments

secure the inferior utreus to the sacrum posteriorly

Cardinal (transverse cervical) ligaments

connect the cervix and vagina to the pelvic wall laterally

mesosalpinx

portion of the broad ligament that anchors the uterine tube (mesentry of the uterine tube)

Mesovarium

posterior fold of the broad ligament that supports the ovaries (mesentry of the ovaries)

Suspensory Ligaments

a lateral continuation of the broad ligament that attaches the ovaries to the lateral pelvic wall

ovarian ligaments

anchors the ovaries to the uterus medially and is enclosed within the broad ligament