Ovarian Ligament

The ovarian ligament, also known as the utero-ovarian ligament or ligament of the ovary, is a short, fibrous band that connects the ovary to the lateral surface of the uterus. It lies within the broad ligament and acts as a tether that stabilizes the position of the ovary relative to the uterus. The ovarian ligament is a remnant of the embryonic gubernaculum and is distinct from the suspensory ligament, which conveys vascular structures. Though it does not carry blood vessels itself, it runs in close proximity to vital ovarian vasculature and lies medial to the fallopian tube.

Structure

The ovarian ligament is a dense, fibromuscular cord composed primarily of connective tissue and smooth muscle fibers. It is relatively short and taut, helping to fix the ovary to the uterine cornu. It is located within the posterior lamina of the broad ligament and blends with the wall of the uterus just inferior to the origin of the uterine tube.

• Length: Approximately 2–3 cm
• Texture: Fibrous, firm, slightly elastic
• Composition: Dense connective tissue and smooth muscle

Location

The ovarian ligament extends from the medial pole of the ovary to the lateral angle of the uterus, just below and posterior to the origin of the uterine (fallopian) tube. It lies within the broad ligament's posterior leaf and is closely related to the uterine and ovarian structures.

Function

• Anchoring: Secures the ovary to the uterus, maintaining its close anatomical relationship
• Stability: Contributes to limiting excessive movement of the ovary within the pelvic cavity
• Embryological Remnant: Represents the lower portion of the embryonic gubernaculum

Blood Supply

• The ligament itself does not contain major vessels, but lies near:
• Uterine artery: Supplies uterus and anastomoses with ovarian artery
• Ovarian artery: Main arterial supply to ovary (travels in suspensory ligament)

Lymphatic Drainage

• Para-aortic (lumbar) lymph nodes via ovarian lymphatics

Innervation

• Autonomic fibers: From the ovarian and uterine plexuses

Embryological Development

• Derived from the lower part of the gubernaculum
• Upper part of the gubernaculum forms the suspensory ligament of the ovary
• Middle portion becomes the round ligament of the uterus

Clinical Significance

• Ovarian Torsion: Although not a vascular structure, the ovarian ligament may twist along with ovarian vessels, contributing to torsion pathology
• Surgical Landmark: Identified during oophorectomy and hysterectomy for ovary-uterus orientation
• Endometriosis: May involve the ovarian ligament, causing localized pelvic pain