Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Development of a Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Rat Model
Published on: August 17, 2022
Surgical anatomy of the uterosacral ligament
Dzung Vu1, Bernard T Haylen, Kelly Tse
1School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
Introduction And Hypothesis:
This study aims to elucidate and expand current knowledge of the uterosacral ligament (USL) from a surgical viewpoint.
Methods:
Studies were performed on 12 unembalmed cadaveric pelves and five formalin-fixed pelves.
Results:
The USL, 12-14-cm long, can be subdivided into three sections: (1) distal (2-3 cm), intermediate (5 cm), and proximal (5-6 cm). The thick (5-20 mm) distal section, attached to cervix and upper vagina, is confluent laterally with the cardinal ligament. The proximal section is diffuse in attachment and generally thinner. The relatively unattached intermediate section is wide, and thick, well defined when placed under tension, more than 2 cm from the ureter and suitable for surgical use. The strength of the USL is perhaps derived not only from the ligament itself, but also from the addition of extraperitoneal connective tissue.
Conclusions:
The USL can be subdivided into three sections according to thickness and attachments with the intermediate section suitable for surgical use, particularly for vaginal vault support.
Related Concept Videos
Uterus and Cervix
The uterus is securely anchored within the pelvic cavity by paired broad ligaments on either side. It is further stabilized by three pairs of...
Histology of the Uterus
The endometrium is the...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...

