Final answer:
The broad ligament of the uterus includes the mesovarium, which suspends the ovaries, and the suspensory ligament, carrying ovarian vessels. Other uterine supports include the round and uterosacral ligaments. The uterus itself has three layers: perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium.
Step-by-step explanation:
The broad ligament of the uterus is composed of several important parts that support and maintain the position of the uterus within the pelvic cavity. Primarily, it is a fold of peritoneum extending laterally from the uterus and attaching to the pelvic wall, providing support. Within this broad ligament, there are specific components, such as the mesovarium, which is the part that suspends the ovaries, and the suspensory ligament that contains ovarian blood and lymph vessels. The round ligament attaches to the uterus near the uterine tubes, extending to the labia majora, whereas the uterosacral ligament stabilizes the uterus posteriorly by connecting the cervix to the pelvic wall.
The layers of the uterus include the perimetrium, a serous membrane that covers the exterior of the uterus, the myometrium, which is a thick layer of smooth muscle responsible for uterine contractions, and the innermost endometrium, which lines the uterus and undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle.