What is the function of uterine ligaments?

There are four ligaments around the uterus, and different ligaments have different functions. The uterus, as an organ for menstruation and fetal development, is mainly located in the middle of the pelvic cavity with a slight forward flexion. The position of the uterus is actually maintained by the support of the uterine ligaments and pelvic muscles. If the ligaments are loose or damaged, the position of the uterus will change.

The broad ligament is wing-shaped on both sides of the uterus, covering the peritoneum of the anterior and posterior walls of the uterus, extending to both sides of the pelvic cavity. Its function is to limit the uterus from tilting to both sides and also to fix the ovaries.

The round ligament is round and strip-shaped, passing below the broad ligament and extending to the pelvic walls on both sides, terminating in the major labia through the inguinal region. Its main components are connective tissue and smooth muscle, which can effectively maintain the forward tilt of the uterus.

The sacral ligament extends from the posterior upper part of the cervix to both sides, bypassing the rectum and terminating at the second and third sacral vertebrae. Its main structure is connective tissue and short, thick, and powerful smooth muscle, which can pull the uterine cavity backward and upward, effectively maintaining the position of the cervix and keeping the uterus in a forward tilt position.

The cardinal ligament is the transverse cervical ligament, whose main components are also resilient connective tissue and smooth muscle. It fixes the position of the cervix, maintains the position of the uterus, and prevents uterine prolapse. The uterus relies solely on the uterine ligaments for maintenance. Any damage or weakness to the ligaments may lead to changes in the uterus.