Round ligament of uterus

Round ligament of uterus
Sagittal section through the pelvis of a newly born female child. (Label for round ligament of uterus visible at upper right.)
Round ligament Ovary Uterine cavity Intestinal surface of uterus Vesical surface (toward bladder) Fundus of uterus Body of uterus Palmate folds of cervical canal Cervical canal Posterior lip Cervical os (external) Isthmus of uterus Supravaginal portion of cervix Vaginal portion of cervix Anterior lip Cervix
Details
Precursor	lower gubernaculum
Artery	uterine artery, artery of round ligament of uterus
Identifiers
Latin	ligamentum teres uteri
MeSH	A05.360.319.114.803
TA	A09.1.03.029
FMA	20420
Anatomical terminology []

The round ligament of the uterus originates at the uterine horns, in the parametrium. The round ligament enters the pelvis via the deep inguinal ring, passes through the inguinal canal and continues on to the labia majora where its fibers spread and mix with the tissue of the mons pubis.

The function of the round ligament is maintenance of the anteversion of the uterus (a position where the fundus of the uterus is turned forward at the junction of cervix and vagina) 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.

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

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

The arteries of the internal organs of generation of the female, seen from behind.

Vessels of the uterus and its appendages, rear view.

Female pelvis and its contents, seen from above and in front.

Round ligament of uterus

Round ligament of uterus