Structure/Morphology
The round ligament of the uterus is a remnant of the gubernaculum (a fibrous band that guides the descent of the gonads during embryogenesis) and extends from the uterus, through the inguinal canal, to insert into the labia majora. The round ligament of the uterus is a thickened cord-like structure that contains vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. Its proximal portion contains abundant smooth muscle, but it becomes more fibrous in its terminal portion. It is analogous to the spermatic cord in the males, but the layers are thinner, may blend with each other, and may be absent distally.
Related parts of the anatomy
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
The round ligament of the uterus develops from the gubernaculum.
It is approximately 10–12 cm long and attaches along the anterolateral portion of the uterus, travels through the broad ligament (Standring, 2016). It then continues through the deep inguinal ring, the inguinal canal, through the superficial inguinal ring, to enter and attach within the labia majora where the fibers extend into the mons pubis.
Function
The round ligament aids in anchoring the uterus and is thought to maintain the anteverted position of the uterus during pregnancy.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Round ligament pain
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41 edn.: Elsevier Limited.
