Structure
The peritoneum is a complex, continuous serous membrane consisting of a layer of mesothelium and varying degrees of connective and adipose tissue. Visually, it is largely unremarkable, smooth, and has a lubricated surface due to the presence of peritoneal fluid.
Anatomical Relations
The suspensory ligament of the ovary originates over the external iliac vessels on the lateral pelvic walls as a fold in the pelvic parietal peritoneum that crosses the ovarian vessels, nerves, and lymphatics. As it moves inferiorly, the fold is continuous with the superolateral aspect of the mesosalpinx, allowing passage of vessels to the ovary. By way of the mesosalpinx, the suspensory ligament of ovary transmits nerves and vasculature to structures within the broad ligament.
Function
The suspensory ligament of the ovary allows passage of the ovarian vessels, nerves, and lymphatics to reach the hilum of the ovary through the broad ligament. It also suspends the ovary within the position of the ovarian fossa (Standring, 2016).
List of Clinical Correlates
—Adhesions
References
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
