CorpusHuman Anatomy
ReproductiveLigament

Broad ligament

Ligamentum latum uteri

Also known as: mesometrium, mesosalpinx, mesovarium, parametrium

A double fold of peritoneum draped over the uterus and uterine tubes, extending from the sides of the uterus to the lateral pelvic walls; it carries the uterine vessels and encloses the tubes, ovarian and round ligaments.

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Overview

The broad ligament is formed where the peritoneum covering the front and back of the uterus meets at its lateral borders and continues to the side wall and floor of the pelvis, dividing the pelvic cavity into a front (vesicouterine) and back (rectouterine) compartment. Its upper free edge encloses the uterine tube; laterally above the pelvic brim it continues as the suspensory ligament of the ovary.

It has three parts: the large mesometrium beside the uterus; the mesosalpinx between the uterine tube and the level of the ovarian ligament; and the mesovarium, a short posterior fold that attaches the ovary. Between its two layers lies loose connective tissue (parametrium, especially beside the cervix) containing the uterine artery and vein, the ovarian ligament, the round ligament, lymphatics, nerves of the uterovaginal plexus, the ureter near its base, and embryological remnants of the mesonephric duct (epoophoron, paroophoron, Gartner duct). It contributes little to uterine support.

Location

Lateral to the uterus, from its borders to the lateral pelvic walls and floor.

Parts & subdivisions

  1. Mesometrium
    Largest part, related to the uterine body; contains the uterine vessels.
  2. Mesosalpinx
    Encloses the uterine tube in its free upper border.
  3. Mesovarium
    Short posterior fold attaching the ovary at its hilum.

Function

  • Carries vessels, nerves and lymphatics to the uterus, tubes and ovaries.
  • Holds the uterus, tubes and ovaries in position (minor support).

Clinical significance

Broad ligament pathology

Haematoma after delivery or surgery, intraligamentary fibroids, paraovarian cysts (mesonephric remnants) and spread of cervical cancer into the parametrium (stage IIB).

Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Reproductive System sources. For education only; not medical advice.