Ligament
Suspensory ligament of the ovary
The ovarian vascular pedicle from the pelvic wall
High-yield
The ovarian vessels approach across the pelvic brim in this fold. The ureter lies nearby on the posterior pelvic wall, making the relation between the two important in adnexal anatomy.
Overview
The infundibulopelvic ligament is a peritoneal fold containing the ovarian vessels, lymphatics, nerves and connective tissue. It connects the upper ovary and adjacent tube with the lateral pelvic wall. This vascular attachment is distinct from the ovarian ligament connecting the ovary to the uterus.
Reference facts
- Attachments
- A fold extends from the tubal pole of the ovary and neighboring infundibulum toward the lateral pelvic wall near the brim, enclosing the approaching ovarian vascular bundle.
- Function
- It carries the ovarian arterial, venous, lymphatic and neural pathways while providing a connective-tissue attachment to the pelvic wall.
- Clinical point
- Its vessels form part of the pedicle involved in adnexal torsion. Their proximity to the ureter explains a recognized site of ureteric injury during pelvic operations.
Clinical correlation
Adnexal torsion twists the ovarian vascular pedicle and may obstruct blood flow. Pelvic surgery near this attachment also places the ureter at risk because the vessels and ureter occupy neighboring, variably related planes.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the suspensory ligament of the ovary attach?
A fold extends from the tubal pole of the ovary and neighboring infundibulum toward the lateral pelvic wall near the brim, enclosing the approaching ovarian vascular bundle.
What does the suspensory ligament of the ovary do?
It carries the ovarian arterial, venous, lymphatic and neural pathways while providing a connective-tissue attachment to the pelvic wall.
Why does the suspensory ligament of the ovary matter clinically?
Its vessels form part of the pedicle involved in adnexal torsion. Their proximity to the ureter explains a recognized site of ureteric injury during pelvic operations.