The contents of the broad ligament include the following:[3] The peritoneum surrounds the uterus like a flat sheet that folds over its fundus, covering it anteriorly and posteriorly; on the sides of the uterus, this sheet of peritoneum comes in direct contact with itself, forming the double layer of peritoneum known as the broad ligament of the uterus.

The broad ligament serves as a mesentery for the uterus, ovaries, and the uterine tubes.

It helps in maintaining the uterus in its position, but it is not a major contributing factor.

Due to their vague clinical presentation they are difficult to distinguish from other types of internal hernias, which can cause small bowel obstruction.

[7] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1258 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)