Cardinal ligament
The cardinal ligament is a major ligament of the uterus. It is located at the base of the broad ligament of the uterus. There are a pair of cardinal ligaments in the female human body.
It attaches the cervix to the lateral pelvic wall by its attachment to the Obturator fascia of the Obturator internus muscle, and is continuous externally with the fibrous tissue that surrounds the pelvic blood vessels. It thus provides support to the uterus. Additionally, it carries the uterine arteries to provide the primary blood supply to the uterus.
It may be of clinical significance in hysterectomy, due to its close proximity to the ureters, which can get damaged during ligation of the ligament.
