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]
| Uterosacral ligament | |
|---|---|
 Uterosacral ligament (in white color) connect between the sacrum and uterus. | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamentum rectouterinum[1] |
| TA98 | A09.1.03.032 |
| TA2 | 3840 |
| FMA | 19111 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Structure
editMicroanatomy/histology
editThe uterosacral ligaments consist of fibrous connective tissue, and smooth muscle tissue.[3]
Relations
editThe 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]
Function
editThe 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]
Clinical significance
editThe uterosacral ligaments may be palpated during a rectal examination, but not during pelvic examination.[3]
References
edit
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1260 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
- ^ a b "Anatonomina". www.terminologia-anatomica.org. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ 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.). Elsevier Australia. 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.
