Cardinal Ligament

Cardinal Ligament - Definition

It refers to a major ligament of the uterus. The body of every woman comprises of two of these structures. It is a section of the fascial thickening of the visceral pelvic region.

Cardinal Ligament – Other Names

The following names are also used to refer to this female body ligament:

Mackenrodt’s Ligament
Transverse Cervical Ligament
Lateral Cervical Ligament

Cardinal Ligament - Location

This ligament can be found at the base of the broad uterine ligament. It runs externally constant with the fibrous tissue which surrounds the blood vessels of the pelvic region.

Cardinal Ligament - Anatomy

It contains the uterine artery and the uterine vein.

Cardinal Ligament - Functions

It supports the uterus and is mainly involved in joining the lateral pelvic wall (situated at the ischial spine) and the cervix.

Cardinal Ligament – Problems and Disorders

The ligament may get injured during ligation as its position is proximal to that of the ureters.

The structure comprises of the vascular system that supplies the uterus. A large number of cancerous cells can be prevalent in this ligament. Due to this reason, surgical removal of this structure is necessary at the time of radical hysterectomy.

Cardinal Ligament – Pictures

The images below will help you know about the appearance of this female structure.

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