Anatomical Relations
The cardinal ligament is the middle condensation of fibrous tissue within the endopelvic fascia that attaches from the lateral pelvic wall to the cervix and vagina. Within the cardinal ligament is an important clinical relationship between the uterine vessels and the ureter (Standring, 2016). The uterine vessels pass superior to the ureter in order to reach the uterus. The common saying used to remember this relationship is “water under the bridge,” with the ureter equaling the water, and the uterine vessels equaling the bridge.
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
Support to the uterus and passage for the uterine vessels and the ureter towards the urinary bladder.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Hysterectomy
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
