Uterosacral ligament
| Uterosacral ligament | |
|---|---|
 Uterosacral ligament (in white color) connect between the sacrum and uterus. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamentum rectouterinum |
| TA98 | A09.1.03.032 |
| TA2 | 3840 |
| FMA | 19111 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The uterosacral ligaments (or rectouterine ligaments) are major ligaments of uterus that extend posterior-ward from the cervix to attach onto the (anterior aspect of the[1]) sacrum.[2]
Anatomy
Structure
The uterosacral ligaments consist of fibrous connective tissue, and smooth muscle tissue.[2]
Relations
The uterosacral ligaments pass inferior to the peritoneum. They embrace the rectouterine pouch, and rectum.[2] The pelvic splanchnic nerves run on top[further explanation needed] of the ligament.[3]
Function
The uterosacral ligaments pull the cervix posterior-ward, counteracting the anterior-ward pull exerted by the round ligament of uterus upon the fundus of the uterus, thus maintaining anteversion of the body of the uterus.[2]
Clinical significance
The uterosacral ligaments may be palpated during a rectal examination, but not during pelvic examination.[2]
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1260 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- ^ Drake, Richard L.; Vogl, Wayne; Tibbitts, Adam W.M. Mitchell; illustrations by Richard; Richardson, Paul (2005). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone. p. 417. ISBN 978-0-8089-2306-0.
- ^ a b c d e Sinnatamby, Chummy (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). p. 304. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
- ^ Daftary (2011). Manual of Obstetrics, 3/e. Elsevier. pp. 1–16. ISBN 978-81-312-2556-1.
