Reflected inguinal ligament - Female pelvis - Bony pelvis - e-Anatomy
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Reflected inguinal ligament

Ligamentum inguinale reflexum

  • Eponym: Colles' ligament
  • Related terms: Reflected ligament

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The reflected inguinal ligament (a.k.a. the Colles ligament or reflected ligament), consists of fibres arising from the medial part of the inguinal ligament and the medial crus of the superficial inguinal ring. These fibres pass superomedially behind the spermatic cord in males, or the round ligament of the uterus in females, and decussate with corresponding fibres from the opposite side near the linea alba.

Functions

The reflected fibres lie anterior to the conjoint tendon and contribute to reinforcement of the lower anterior abdominal wall in the suprapubic region.

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References

  • Sugumar K, Gupta M. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Inguinal Ligament (Crural Ligament. Poupart Ligament) [Updated 2024 Jan 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542321/

  • Goethals A, Azmat CE, Patel PJ, et al. Femoral Hernia. [Updated 2025 May 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535449/

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