[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/) › Suspensory ligament of ovary [Reproductive system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/reproductive-system/) · [Pelvis · Female](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) # Suspensory ligament of ovary The suspensory ligament of the ovary is a fold from the pelvic side wall to the ovary that carries its artery and veins; it is divided to remove the ovary. [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=pelvis&variant=female&select=suspensory_ligament_ovary&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A fold from the ovary up to the pelvic side wall that carries the ovarian artery and vein (infundibulopelvic ligament). ## What it does Holds the ovary in place; it is clamped to remove the ovary, taking care of the ureter nearby. ## Key points - The ureters cross the pelvic brim right beside it, near the bifurcation of the [common iliac arteries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/common-iliac-artery/): tying the infundibulopelvic ligament is a classic moment of ureteric injury - It is the pedicle divided to remove the ovary (oophorectomy); it is left intact when a hysterectomy keeps the ovaries - Its lymphatics carry ovarian lymph up to the [para-aortic lymph nodes](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/intermediate-lumbar-nodes/), the first nodes involved in ovarian cancer ## Key facts **Attaches** Tubal pole of the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall over the external iliac vessels **Function** Carries the ovarian artery, vein, lymphatics and nerves (infundibulopelvic ligament); the ureter crosses close to it at the pelvic brim ## Relations **Course** From the upper (tubal) pole of the [ovary](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ovary/), up and outward over the external iliac vessels, to the [peritoneum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/peritoneum/) of the lateral pelvic wall at the pelvic brim **Contents** [Ovarian artery](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ovarian-artery/), ovarian veins (the pampiniform plexus), lymphatics and the ovarian nerve plexus **Medial** [Ureters](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ureter/), entering the [pelvis](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) close to it **Below** Ovaries and the [infundibulum and fimbriae](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/infundibulum-of-uterine-tube/) of the tube ## How to find it At laparoscopy, lifting the ovary tents up a peritoneal fold running to the pelvic brim; the ureter is identified through the nearby peritoneum before the fold is sealed or tied. ## On imaging On CT or MRI the ovarian vein can be followed down to a pelvic mass: if it leads into the mass, the mass is most likely ovarian (ovarian vascular pedicle sign). ## 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 - In torsion the vessels in this ligament are twisted, which is why the ovary becomes congested before it loses its arterial supply - Postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis, usually on the right, causes fever and flank or lower abdominal pain - Ovarian remnant syndrome: if the ligament is cut too close to the ovary, functioning tissue left behind can cause pain or a mass ## Development The ovary begins high on the posterior abdominal wall; as it moves down into the pelvis its vessels trail behind it, still arising from the aorta and draining near the [kidneys](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/kidney/), and the peritoneal fold over them becomes this ligament. ## Related conditions - [Ovarian torsion](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/ovarian-torsion/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## What does the suspensory ligament of the ovary contain? The ovarian artery, ovarian veins (pampiniform plexus), lymphatics and the ovarian nerve plexus. ## Why is tying the suspensory ligament of the ovary a classic moment of ureteric injury? The ureter crosses the pelvic brim right beside it, near the bifurcation of the common iliac arteries. ## What is ovarian remnant syndrome? If the suspensory ligament is cut too close to the ovary, functioning tissue left behind can cause pain or a mass. ## Which side is usually affected by postpartum ovarian vein thrombosis, and how does it present? Usually the right; fever with flank or lower abdominal pain. [Add to my cards (4)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/suspensory-ligament-of-ovary/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Latin (TA2)** ligamentum suspensorium ovarii TA2 3805 **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Ligamento suspensorio del ovario **English (TA2)** Suspensory ligament of ovary **Also called** infundibulopelvic ligament · plica suspensoria ovarii ## Related - [Ovaries](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ovary/) Sources: Terminologia Anatomica (TA2); [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Ovary](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545187/); [27.2 Anatomy and Physiology of the Ovarian Reproductive System](https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/27-2-anatomy-and-physiology-of-the-ovarian-reproductive-system) (OpenStax (Rice University), 2022) · adapted, [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). ## **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/suspensory-ligament-of-ovary/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/suspensory-ligament-of-ovary/