The uterus is fixed in its anatomical position by muscles, such as the levator ani muscles of the pelvic floor, and ligamentous structures. All of these muscles and ligaments are paired.

The ligamentous apparatus that fixes the uterus is comprised of the following ligaments:

Broad ligament of the uterus (ligamentum latum uteri) - stretches between the uterus and the lateral wall of the lesser pelvis (read more);
Round ligament of the uterus (ligamentum teres uteri) - extends from each angle of the uterus to the subcutaneous tissue of the mons pubis and labium majus;
Uterosacral ligament - stretches from the cervix to the pelvic surface of the sacrum;
Cardinal ligament - located at the inferior part of the broad ligament; connects the lateral wall of the cervix to the lateral wall of the lesser pelvis on each side;
Vesicouterine ligament - extends between the cervix of the uterus and the bladder; it is considered as a component of the pubocervical ligament, which stretches between the cervix and the inferior ramus of the pubic bone.

The ligaments of the uterus are important during pregnancy because they promote fetal movement through the birth canal due to fixating the uterus.

Note: The uterus is fixed to the pelvic floor also by the vagina, which has a common wall with the urethra and rectum.

Round ligament of uterus

The round ligament of the uterus extends between the corners of the fundus (angles of the uterus), travels in an oblique manner downward and laterally, lying between two layers of the broad ligament of the uterus.

Afterwards, the round ligament enters and passes through the inguinal canal, exiting it via its external opening. The ligament terminates within the subcutaneous tissue of the labia majora and mons pubis.

The round ligament helps to keep the uterus anteverted and anteflexed. It is around 4.7 to 5.5 inches (12 to 14 centimeters) long when fully developed.

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Ligaments of uterus