The ovarian ligament is composed of muscular and fibrous tissue; it extends from the uterine extremity of the ovary to the lateral aspect of the uterus, just below the point where the uterine tube and uterus meet.

Embryologically, each ovary (which forms from the gonadal ridge) is connected to a band of mesoderm, the gubernaculum.

[2] This strip of mesoderm remains in connection with the ovary throughout its development, and eventually spans this distance by attachment within the labia majora.

During the latter parts of urogenital development, the gubernaculum forms a long fibrous band of connective tissue stretching from the ovary to the uterus, and then continuing into the labia majora.

[4] The ovarian ligament is present in other mammals, including cats.