Round ligament of uterus

Round ligament of the uterus
Round ligament of the uterus
	Cross-section through the pelvis of a newly born female child. (Round ligament labelled at upper right.)
Details
Precursor	lower gubernaculum
Artery	uterine artery, artery of round ligament of uterus
Identifiers
Latin	ligamentum teres uteri
MeSH	D012404
TA98	A09.1.03.029
TA2	3835
FMA	20420
	Anatomical terminology

The round ligament of the uterus is a ligament that connects the uterus to the labia majora. It originates at the junction of the uterus and uterine tube. It passes through the inguinal canal to insert at the labium majus.

The two round ligaments of uterus develop from the gubernaculum; they are the female homologue of the male gubernaculum testis.

Structure

The round ligament of the uterus originates at the uterine horns, in the parametrium. The round ligament exits the pelvis via the deep inguinal ring. It passes through the inguinal canal to reach the labium majus, inserting into the fibro-fatty substance of the labium majus.

Blood supply

The round ligament is supplied by the artery of the round ligament of uterus, also known as Sampson's artery.

Development

The round ligament develops from the gubernaculum which attaches the gonad to the labioscrotal swellings in the embryo.

Function

The round ligament of uterus acts to hold the uterus anterior-ward to in anteflexion and anteversion, especially by counteracting any posterior-ward forces that may be being exerted upon the uterus (e.g. distended bladder, or gravity while in a recumbent position).

Pregnancy

The round ligament maintains anteversion of the uterus during pregnancy. Normally, the cardinal ligament is what supports the uterine angle (angle of anteversion). When the uterus grows during pregnancy, the round ligaments can stretch causing pain.