View source for Suspensory ligament of the ovary

{{Infobox Ligament |
  Name         = Suspensory ligament of the ovary |
  Latin        = ligamentum suspensorium ovarii |
  GraySubject  = 266 |
  GrayPage     = 1254 |
  Image        = Gray1161.png |
  Caption      = [[Uterus]] and [[ovary]], seen from behind. The '''suspensory ligament of the ovary''' (not labeled) is shown incompletely and in section; it surrounds the ovarian [[blood vessel|vessel]]s (labeled).|
  Image2       = |
  Caption2     = |
  From         = [[ovary]] |
  To           = lateral wall of the [[pelvis]] |
  Precursor    = upper [[gubernaculum]]<ref>{{EmbryologySwiss|ugenital/diffmorpho05}}</ref> |
  System       = |
  Artery       = |
  Vein         = |
  Nerve        = |
  Lymph        = |
  MeshName     = |
  MeshNumber   = |
  DorlandsPre  = l_09 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12493199  |
}}

[[Image:Gray240.png|thumb|pelvic inlet]]
{{SI}}

{{EH}}
==Overview==
The '''suspensory ligament of the ovary''', also '''infundibulopelvic ligament''' (commonly abbreviated '''IP ligament''' or simply '''IP'''), is a fold of [[peritoneum]]<ref name="Norman">{{NormanAnatomy|pelvis}}</ref> that extends out from the [[ovary]] to the wall of the pelvis. 

Some sources consider it a part of the broad ligament of uterus <ref>{{Dorlands|l_09|12493199}}</ref> while other sources just consider it a "termination" of the ligament.<ref name="SUNY">{{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|03|03|00}}</ref>

The suspensory ligament is directed upward over the iliac vessels, 

==Contents==
It contains the [[ovarian artery]], [[ovarian vein]],<ref name="Norman"> </ref> [[ovarian plexus]], <ref>{{eMedicineDictionary|suspensory+ligament+of+ovary}}</ref> and [[lymphatic vessel]]s.<ref name="SUNY"> </ref>

==Composition==
The suspensory ligament of the ovary is one continuous tissue that connects the ovary to the wall of the pelvis. There are separate names for the two regions of this tissue. 
* In the anterior region, the suspensory ligament is attached to the wall of the pelvis via a continuous tissue called peritoneum. 
* In the more posterior region, the suspensory ligament is attached to the ovary via a continuous tissue call the broad ligament. 

In sum, the suspensory ligament consists of a single connective tissue from that has different regional notations, the peritoneum and the broad ligament. 

==Peritoneal relationship==
One must understand that most of the abdominal cavity is lined by a double-membranous sac called [[Peritoneum|peritoneum]] .  The interior is called the peritoneal cavity, this is the location of all 'intra-peritoneal' organs (disambiguation: [[Retroperitoneal|retro-peritoneal organs]] ).    The most inferior extent of the peritoneum covers the [[Pelvis|pelvic inlet]]; in females, this region of the peritoneum is referred to as the 'broad ligament'.

==Development==
{{Main|Development of the suspensory ligament of the ovary}}
The suspensory ligament originates from the [[mesonephros]], which, in turn, originates from the [[Wolffian duct]].

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyFigs|43|02|05}}
* {{SUNYAnatomyImage|9|7|84}}
* [http://navigator.medschool.pitt.edu/34_viewPage.asp?pageID=11133123&nobars=true Slide at pitt.edu]
----
{{Gray's}}

{{Female reproductive system}}
{{Peritoneum}}

[[Category:Ligaments]]
{{SIB}}

{{WH}}

{{WS}}