Suspensory Ligament of Ovary (Female): Diagram, Function, and Ligaments Supporting the Ovaries

Suspensory Ligament of Ovary:

• What is the Suspensory Ligament of Ovary?
• Diagram
• Function
• Ligaments Supporting the Ovaries

What is the Suspensory Ligament of Ovary?

The Suspensory Ligament of the Ovary, also known as the infundibulopelvic (IP) ligament, is a critical anatomical structure in the female reproductive system. It extends from the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall and serves as a supportive and vascular pathway. This ligament contains essential structures including the ovarian artery, ovarian vein, lymphatics, and autonomic nerves that supply the ovary. Because of this, it plays a significant role in maintaining ovarian blood flow and hormonal function.

Clinically, the suspensory ligament is highly important during surgeries such as oophorectomy, ovarian cystectomy, or hysterectomy. Surgeons must identify and manage this ligament carefully to control bleeding and preserve or remove ovarian blood supply. It is also a structure involved in pelvic pain syndromes or ovarian torsion, where twisting of the ovary can compromise the vessels within the ligament.

Diagram

The ovary positioned near the pelvic brim, with the ligament stretching upward and outward from the superior pole of the ovary toward the lateral pelvic wall. The ligament forms a “bridge” that carries vascular structures between the ovary and the retroperitoneum.

Function

The primary function of the Suspensory Ligament of the Ovary is to provide vascular support. It houses the ovarian artery, which originates directly from the abdominal aorta, and ensures the ovary receives adequate blood supply for follicular development, ovulation, and hormone production. In addition, the ovarian veins within the ligament return blood from the ovary to the systemic circulation.

Beyond vascular support, the ligament provides structural stability by helping suspend the ovary in its proper anatomical location within the pelvic cavity. It anchors the ovary superiorly, preventing excessive mobility while still allowing limited movement necessary during reproductive cycles. Because of the nerve fibers running through the ligament, it also contributes to ovarian sensory and autonomic functions.

Ligaments Supporting the Ovaries

The ovaries are supported by three major ligaments, each providing unique structural and functional contributions:

• Suspensory Ligament of the Ovary: Connects the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall and carries ovarian vessels.
• Ovarian Ligament (Utero-ovarian ligament): Connects the ovary to the uterus. This fibromuscular structure helps stabilize the ovary medially and ensures positional support during reproductive cycles.
• Mesovarium: Part of the broad ligament that attaches to the anterior surface of the ovary. It provides peritoneal support and a pathway for nerves and vessels entering the ovary.

Together, these ligaments allow the ovary to remain suspended yet flexible within the pelvis. They also play a major clinical role during gynecologic surgeries, pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian torsion, and reproductive health assessments. Each ligament contributes to the stability, vascular supply, and functional integrity of the ovaries across a woman’s reproductive lifespan.