In this monograph the authors have compiled our present day knowledge on the round ligaments of the uterus. In addition to reviewing the anatomy, histology, embryology, and pathology of the ligaments, they have included the different surgical approaches to the round ligaments in treatment of uterine displacements.
The authors surmise the presence of functioning smooth muscle elements in the ligaments and prove their view by myographs showing the effect of chemical and electrical stimulation on these muscle fibers. The same procedures are repeated using parasympatheticomimic drugs to show the expected contraction curves. According to the authors, part of the pelvic pain associated with uterine abnormalities is due to the elongation or contraction, or both, of the nonstriated muscle fibers in the round ligaments. This, however, has not been proven by them.
This monograph is a worthy study and should be found in the library of any gynecologist, anatomist, or physiologist.