Broad Ligament of Uterus

The broad ligament of uterus is the broad fold of the peritoneum that holds up this female reproductive organ to the lateral wall of pelvis. It is formed by two peritoneal layers (anterior and posterior), extending laterally from both sides of the uterus. When it reaches the wall of the pelvis, these layers are continuous with the parietal peritoneum of the true pelvis. It is supplied by the uterine and ovarian artery.

Forming a septum across the pelvis, the broad ligament divides the cavity into an anterior and a posterior portion. The bladder, urethra, and vagina lie in the anterior portion, while the rectum lies in the posterior part. The anterior surface of the broad ligament faces forwards and downwards, with the posterior surface facing backwards and upwards. The posterior layer of the lateral part of the broad ligament gives rise to the mesovarium below the ampulla of the Fallopian tube. The ligament of the ovary is found on the posterior surface of the broad ligament.

At the base of the broad ligament of uterus, there are connective tissue bands that contain smooth fibers, forming the cardinal ligament on both sides of uterus. This ligament contributes to the fixation of the uterus and vagina. The Fallopian tube lies between the layers of the upper border of the broad ligament. The area of the broad ligament between the Fallopian tube and the mesovarium is called the mesosalpinx, which encloses the ovarian fimbria, the epoophoron, and the paraoophoron. The round ligament of the uterus can be seen on the anterior surface of the beginning of the broad ligament.

Below, drawing of the human female reproductive organs (posterior aspect), exhibiting the uterus, Fallopian tube, and the ovary being contained by the broad ligament of uterus.