Round ligament of the uterus

The round ligament is one of the supporting structures of the uterus. It has a function in uterine anteflexion.

Embryology

It is part of the embryologic remnant of the gubernaculum.

Gross anatomy

It is a rope-like fibromuscular band which extends from the anterolateral aspect of the uterus anteriorly between the layers of the broad ligament. It passes through the deep inguinal ring into the inguinal canal.

Attachments

• cornu of the uterus, just below the origin of the uterine tube
• labia majora and mons pubis soft tissues

Relations

• broad ligament
• ligament of the ovary: also attaches at uterine cornu and is also an embryologic remnant of the gubernaculum

Arterial supply

• Sampson's artery: runs under the round ligament and provides an anastomosis between ovarian and uterine arteries.

Radiographic features

CT

Can be seen as a soft tissue band between the uterus and inguinal canal

MRI

Low T1 and T2 signal.

Related pathology

• endometriosis
• round ligament fibroid
• hydrocele of the canal of Nuck

Siehe auch:

• Ligamentum latum uteri
• Nuck'scher Kanal
• Ligamentum lacunare
• Varizen des Ligamentum teres uteri