Variation In The Histological Structure Of Round Ligament Of Uterus At Uterine Cornu With Age

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The aim of present study is to evaluate the microscopic structure of the round ligament of uterusat the uterine cornu to examine the changes in the structure in different age groups i.e.adult females inreproductive age group, pregnancy & menopause.Materials and Methods: Twenty two round ligaments of uterus (25-70 yrs) were taken for the study of themicroscopic structure at the uterine cornu. The specimens were collected from adult females of reproductive agegroup, pregnant females and menopausal females. Microscopic structure was studied under light microscopeusing haematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson’s stain was used to differentiate muscle from fibrous tissue.Results: The round ligament showed changes at the two ends of age spectrum chosen for the study (25-70 yrs). Inadult females of reproductive age group (25-40 yr old) it was predominantly muscular and the smooth muscleof the ligament was found to be continuous with that of the myometrium. In pregnant females markedhypertrophied smooth muscle bundles with increased collagen bundles and vascularity were seen. In menopausalage group, tendency towards fibrosis was seen and blood vessels were reduced in number.Conclusion: Variations seen in the ligament in different age groups and continuation of the smooth muscle ofthe round ligament with the myometrium at the uterine cornu may explain the role played by it in keeping theuterus in anteverted position. Role of the ligament would become clearer through a further study of microscopicstructure of a larger sample size including different age groups.