Pectineal ligament

Last revised by Daniel J Bell on 16 Dec 2019

The pectineal ligament (somewhat confusingly also known as the inguinal ligament of Cooper) is an extension of the lacunar ligament that runs along the pectineal line of the pubis (also known as the pecten pubis).

Gross anatomy

The pectineal ligament is a highly resistant structure that runs along the pecten pubis on the superior ramus of the pubic bone. It is formed from:

  • fibers of the lacunar ligament

Some regard it as a thickening in the upper portion of the pectineal fascia.

Attachments

The pectineal ligament attaches medially to the pubic tubercle, where it meets the inguinal ligament and the lacunar ligament.  It runs laterally along the pecten pubis, and slowly thins out along this course. It forms the posterior border of the femoral canal 2.

History and etymology 

It was first described by Sir Astley Paston Cooper (1768-1841) an English surgeon and anatomist, in 1804 3

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