Ovarian ligament (proper ligament of ovary)
Ligamentum ovarii proprium
Also known as: utero-ovarian ligament, ligament of the ovary
A short fibromuscular cord within the broad ligament connecting the uterine (lower) pole of the ovary to the lateral wall of the uterus just below the uterine tube.
Overview
The ovarian ligament lies in the posterior layer of the broad ligament. It attaches to the uterus at the uterotubal junction, posteroinferior to the attachment of the round ligament, with which it is continuous through the uterine wall — together they are the remnant of the gubernaculum. It carries the anastomosis between the ovarian branch of the uterine artery and the ovarian artery.
- Location
Between the medial (uterine) pole of the ovary and the lateral angle of the uterus, within the broad ligament.
Anatomy
- Development
Proximal part of the gubernaculum.
Function
- Anchors the ovary to the uterus.
Clinical significance
Adnexal torsion and surgery
The ovary may twist around the axis formed by the ovarian and suspensory ligaments; at hysterectomy with ovarian conservation the ovarian ligament and tube are divided instead of the infundibulopelvic ligament.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Reproductive System sources. For education only; not medical advice.