[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Pelvis · Female](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) › Broad ligament [Reproductive system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/reproductive-system/) · [Pelvis · Female](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) # Broad ligament The broad ligament is a wide fold of [peritoneum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/peritoneum/) on each side of the uterus; it holds the uterus in the middle of the [pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) and carries its vessels. Official name: Broad ligament of uterus [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=pelvis&variant=female&select=broad_ligament&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A wide double fold of peritoneum draped over the uterus and tubes from side to side, like a sheet over a clothesline. ## What it does Holds the uterus loosely in the middle of the pelvis and carries the uterine vessels; the ureter passes beneath its base. ## Key points - At its base the ureters run forward under the uterine artery, about 2 cm lateral to the [cervix](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cervix-of-uterus/): the danger zone in hysterectomy - Its upper free edge holds the tube; the ovary, the round ligament of uterus and the ovarian ligament each raise a fold of their own ## Key facts **Where** Double fold of peritoneum from the sides of the uterus to the lateral pelvic walls and floor **Attaches** Parts: mesometrium, [mesosalpinx](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mesosalpinx/), [mesovarium](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mesovarium/); contains the uterine tube, round and ovarian ligaments, uterine and ovarian vessels; the ureter passes under its base **Function** Loose peritoneal support holding the uterus in the midline; little true support ## Relations **Contents** [Uterine tube](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/uterine-tube/), [round ligament of uterus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/round-ligament-of-uterus/), [ovarian ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/proper-ovarian-ligament/), [uterine artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/uterine-artery/) and [ovarian artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ovarian-artery/) with their veins, lymphatics, nerves and mesonephric remnants; the [ureters](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ureter/) pass under its base **Medial** Sides of the uterus, along which the uterine artery climbs **Lateral** Lateral pelvic walls, with the [suspensory ligament of ovary](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/suspensory-ligament-of-ovary/) at the outer end of the free edge **In front** [Vesicouterine pouch](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/vesicouterine-pouch/) and [urinary bladder](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/urinary-bladder/) **Behind** [Rectouterine pouch](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/rectouterine-pouch/); the [ovaries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ovary/) hang from its posterior layer **Below** Parametrium and [cardinal ligament](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/cardinal-ligament/), where its two layers part over the [pelvic floor](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/levator-ani/) ## How to find it At laparoscopy it is the sheet of peritoneum hanging from the uterus and tubes to each side wall; the round ligament ridges its front, and the ovary sits on its back. ## On imaging On ultrasound or MRI a mass between its layers (an intraligamentous fibroid or a paraovarian cyst) lies beside the uterus, separate from the ovary, and can push the uterus to the opposite side. ## Common problems - Weakened supports allow prolapse. - Endometriosis often grows on the uterosacral ligaments. ## How it is diagnosed Examination and ultrasound; seen directly in laparoscopy. ## Treatment - They are divided step by step in a hysterectomy. ## Clinical notes - To reach the ureter and the uterine vessels at surgery, the round ligament is divided and the two layers are separated, opening the retroperitoneal space - Intraligamentous fibroids grow between its layers, can push the ureter aside and make hysterectomy harder - A broad ligament haematoma can follow a caesarean section or a tear at birth and spread through the retroperitoneum ## Development As the two paramesonephric ducts swing toward the midline and fuse to form the uterus, they lift a transverse fold of peritoneum from each side wall of the pelvis; this fold becomes the broad ligament and divides the female pelvis into a front and a back pouch. ## Memory aid "Water under the bridge": the ureter (water) flows under the uterine artery (bridge) at the base of the broad ligament. ## Related conditions - [Endometriosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/endometriosis/) - [Pelvic inflammatory disease](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/) - [Ovarian torsion](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ovarian-torsion/) - [Ovarian cancer](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ovarian-cancer/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What passes under the base of the broad ligament, about 2 cm lateral to the cervix? The ureter, running forward under the uterine artery («water under the bridge»): the danger zone in hysterectomy. ## What are the main contents of the broad ligament? Uterine tube, round and ovarian ligaments, uterine and ovarian arteries and veins, lymphatics, nerves and mesonephric remnants. ## Why can intraligamentous fibroids make hysterectomy harder? They grow between the layers of the broad ligament and can push the ureter aside. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/broad-ligament-of-uterus/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** ligamentum latum uteri TA2 3800 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Ligamento ancho DeCS D001956 **English (TA2)** Broad ligament of uterus **Also called** plica lata uteri ## Related - [Mesosalpinx](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/mesosalpinx/) - [Body of uterus](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/body-of-uterus/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [DeCS](https://decs.bvsalud.org/es/ths/resource/?id=29329); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Broad Ligaments](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499943/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/broad-ligament-of-uterus/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/broad-ligament-of-uterus/