Uterosacral ligament | |
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | ligamentum rectouterinum[1] |
TA98 | A09.1.03.032 |
TA2 | 3840 |
FMA | 19111 |
Anatomical terminology |
The uterosacral ligaments (or rectouterine ligaments[1]) are major ligaments of uterus that extend posterior-ward from the cervix to attach onto the (anterior aspect of the[2]) sacrum.[3]
The uterosacral ligaments consist of fibrous connective tissue, and smooth muscle tissue.[3]
The uterosacral ligaments pass inferior to the peritoneum. They embrace the rectouterine pouch, and rectum.[3] The pelvic splanchnic nerves run on top[further explanation needed] of the ligament.[4]
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.[3]
The uterosacral ligaments may be palpated during a rectal examination, but not during pelvic examination.[3]
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1260 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
Internal |
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External |
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Blood supply | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
Anatomy of the peritoneum and mesentery | |||||||||
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Abdominal |
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Pelvic |
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Spaces |