Which description correctly describes the ovarian ligament?

Which description correctly describes the ovarian ligament?

• A. Connects the lateral surface of the uterus to the ovary
• B. Connects the uterus to the pelvic wall
• C. Encloses the fallopian tube within the broad ligament
• D. Drains ovarian venous blood to the inferior vena cava

Answer: (B)

The ovarian ligament mainly anchors the ovary to the uterus. It is a fibrous cord that runs within the broad ligament from the ovary to the uterus, securing the ovary to the uterus near where the tube enters. It does not attach to the pelvic wall—that role is handled by the suspensory (infundibulopelvic) ligament, which stretches from the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall and carries the ovarian vessels. Others parts help visualize what it’s not doing: the fallopian tube is contained within the broad ligament’s mesosalpinx, not enclosed by the ovarian ligament; and ovarian venous drainage isn’t a single path to the IVC for all veins, since the right ovarian vein drains into the IVC while the left drains into the left renal vein.

The ovarian ligament mainly anchors the ovary to the uterus. It is a fibrous cord that runs within the broad ligament from the ovary to the uterus, securing the ovary to the uterus near where the tube enters. It does not attach to the pelvic wall—that role is handled by the suspensory (infundibulopelvic) ligament, which stretches from the ovary to the lateral pelvic wall and carries the ovarian vessels.

Others parts help visualize what it’s not doing: the fallopian tube is contained within the broad ligament’s mesosalpinx, not enclosed by the ovarian ligament; and ovarian venous drainage isn’t a single path to the IVC for all veins, since the right ovarian vein drains into the IVC while the left drains into the left renal vein.