How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

Which ligament connects the ovary to the uterus?

A.

Broad ligament

B.

Ovarian ligament

C.

Suspensory ligament

D.

Round ligament

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

The ovarian ligament is a fibromuscular band that connects the medial pole of the ovary to the lateral aspect of the uterus, specifically at the uterine cornu. It is a remnant of the gubernaculum, which also gives rise to the round ligament. The ovarian ligament lies within the broad ligament, specifically in the mesovarium, and plays a role in stabilizing the ovary's position. It contains no major vessels, unlike the suspensory ligament, which houses the ovarian artery and vein. The ovarian ligament is not involved in lymphatic drainage or innervation.

Rationale for correct answers

B. The ovarian ligament directly connects the ovary to the uterus at the uterine cornu. This anatomical relationship is specific and distinguishes it from other pelvic ligaments. Its origin from the gubernaculum and its location within the mesovarium confirm its role in anchoring the ovary to the uterus.

Rationale for incorrect answers

A. The broad ligament is a double layer of peritoneum that supports the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. It does not directly connect the ovary to the uterus. Instead, it serves as a mesentery and contains the ovarian ligament, round ligament, and suspensory ligament within its subdivisions (mesovarium, mesosalpinx, mesometrium).

C. The suspensory ligament of the ovary connects the lateral pole of the ovary to the pelvic wall and contains the ovarian vessels. It is involved in vascular supply, not structural connection to the uterus. Its role is to suspend the ovary and facilitate blood flow, not to anchor it to the uterus.

D. The round ligament extends from the uterine cornu through the inguinal canal to the labia majora. It originates from the gubernaculum but does not connect to the ovary. Its function is to maintain anteversion of the uterus, not to stabilize the ovary.

Take home points

• The ovarian ligament connects the ovary to the uterus at the uterine cornu.

• The suspensory ligament contains ovarian vessels and connects the ovary to the pelvic wall.

• The broad ligament is a peritoneal fold that supports pelvic organs but does not directly connect them.

• The round ligament maintains uterine position and passes through the inguinal canal


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Ovarian follicular reserve refers to the finite number of oocytes a female is born with. At birth, ovaries contain about 1–2 million primary oocytes, decreasing to about 300,000–400,000 by puberty due to atresia. Only about 400–500 of these will fully mature and be ovulated during the reproductive lifespan, while the remainder degenerate. Normal reproductive lifespan averages 35–40 years from menarche to menopause.

Rationale for correct answer

C. Over an average reproductive lifespan, with approximately 1 ovulation per menstrual cycle and about 12 cycles per year, only around 400–500 oocytes are released; the rest undergo atresia.

Rationale for incorrect answers

A. 50–100 is too low, as this would account for fewer than 10 years of ovulatory cycles, which is far shorter than the normal reproductive span.

B. 100–200 is still below the expected number, corresponding to fewer than 20 years of ovulations.

D. 1,000–2,000 is too high, as this would require more than double the number of ovulatory cycles that normally occur in a woman’s reproductive life.

Take home points

  • Females are born with a finite, non-renewable oocyte reserve.
  • Only 400–500 oocytes are ovulated in a lifetime.
  • The majority of oocytes undergo atresia before ovulation.
  • Menstrual cycles average 12 per year over 35–40 reproductive years.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Oogenesis is the process of haploid gamete formation in females, beginning before birth and completed only if fertilization occurs. Primary oocytes are arrested in prophase I from fetal life until ovulation. At ovulation, meiosis I completes, producing the secondary oocyte, which arrests in metaphase II until sperm penetration triggers completion of meiosis II. Normal female gametes have 23 chromosomes (n).

Rationale for correct answer

B. The secondary oocyte is arrested in metaphase II due to cytostatic factor, maintaining meiotic arrest until fertilization. Sperm entry activates calcium-dependent pathways that resume meiosis II, producing the ovum and second polar body.

Rationale for incorrect answers

A. Prophase I arrest occurs in primary oocytes from fetal life until puberty; this is before formation of the secondary oocyte.

C. Anaphase II is the stage where sister chromatids separate during completion of meiosis II; it occurs only after fertilization starts, not before.

D. Telophase I follows anaphase I when primary oocytes complete meiosis I; this produces the secondary oocyte but is not the arrest point before fertilization.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register