Cardinal ligament

The cardinal ligament is a major ligament of the uterus formed as a thickening of connective tissue of the base of the broad ligament of the uterus. It extends laterally from the cervix and vaginal fornix to attach onto the lateral wall of the pelvis. The female ureter, uterine artery, and Inferior [hypogastric plexus|inferior hypogastric (nervous) plexus] course within the cardinal ligament. The cardinal ligament supports the uterus.''''''

Structure

The cardinal ligament is a paired structure on the lateral side of the uterus. It originates from the lateral part of the cervix.

Attachments

It attaches the cervix to the lateral pelvic wall by its attachment to the obturator fascia of the obturator internus muscle. It attaches to the uterosacral ligament.

Relations

It is continuous externally with the fibrous tissue surrounding the pelvic blood vessels.

Function

The cardinal ligament supports the uterus, providing lateral stability to the cervix.''''''

Clinical significance

The cardinal ligament may be affected in hysterectomy. Due to its proximity to the ureters, it can get damaged during ligation of the ligament. It is routinely cut during some uterine operations, although this can have side effects.