Round Ligament of the Uterus Detail

ligamentum teres uteri detail

The round ligament of the uterus is a fibromuscular cord (homologue of the gubernaculum testis) running from the uterine cornu through the deep inguinal ring and inguinal canal to the labium majus, maintaining the anteversion of the uterus.

Region: Abdomen

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Maintains uterine anteversion, provides an anterior uterine tether, and forms the female equivalent of the male gubernaculum. It runs through the inguinal canal and is encountered in inguinal hernia repair.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The round ligament passes through the internal inguinal ring on the anterolateral pelvic wall, lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels — the landmark used to distinguish indirect (lateral to round ligament) from direct (medial) hernias in women. Round ligament pain during pregnancy (from stretching) produces sharp groin pain.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Round Ligament Pain in Pregnancy

Stretching of the round ligament during uterine expansion in pregnancy producing sharp unilateral groin pain with sudden movement, managed by positional support and pain relief.

Round Ligament as Female Inguinal Landmark

The round ligament entering the internal inguinal ring serves as the anatomical reference for female inguinal hernia classification — indirect hernias pass lateral to the round ligament through the deep ring.