Which ligament of the uterus extends from the cervix and upper vagina backwards to the sacrum, helps maintain the uterus in anteversion, and can be palpated during rectal examination?

• A Round ligament
• B Uterosacral ligament ✓
• C Broad ligament
• D Transverse cervical (cardinal) ligament

Explanation

The uterosacral ligaments pass from the cervix around the rectum to the sacrum, holding the cervix backwards and helping maintain anteversion of the uterus over the bladder. The cardinal ligaments provide the main lateral support against prolapse, while the round ligaments maintain anteversion through the inguinal canal. The uterosacral ligaments are the ones palpable on digital rectal examination when thickened by endometriosis or malignancy.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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