Suspensory ligament

Suspensory ligament is a term used in both human and animal anatomy. It can refer to several different important structures, but generally denotes a ligament that supports an organ or body part.

Etymology

The term "suspensory" comes from the Latin word "suspensorius", which means "to hang up". The term "ligament" comes from the Latin word "ligamentum", which means "to bind or tie".

Human Anatomy

In human anatomy, the term "suspensory ligament" can refer to several structures:

• The suspensory ligament of the lens, also known as the "Zinn's ligament", is a fibrous membrane that suspends the lens of the eye, allowing it to change shape during accommodation.
• The suspensory ligament of the ovary, also known as the "infundibulopelvic ligament", is a fold of peritoneum that extends out from the ovary to the wall of the pelvis. Some sources consider it a part of the broad ligament of uterus.
• The suspensory ligament of the penis and suspensory ligament of the clitoris are ligaments that support the penis and clitoris respectively.

Animal Anatomy

In animal anatomy, the term "suspensory ligament" can refer to:

• The suspensory ligament of the mammary gland, which supports the udder in cows and other animals.
• The suspensory ligament of the fetlock, which supports the fetlock joint in horses.

Related Terms

• Ligament: A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or cartilages or holds together a joint.
• Peritoneum: The serous membrane lining the cavity of the abdomen and covering the abdominal organs.
• Fetlock: The joint of a horse's or other quadruped's leg between the cannon bone and the pastern.