Suspensory ligament

Suspensory ligament describes any ligament that supports a body part, especially an organ.

In humans, it can refer to the "suspensory ligament of the lens ," which supports the lens of the eye. It can also refer, in males, to the "suspensory ligament of the penis," attached to the pubic symphysis, which holds the penis close to the pubic bone and supports it when erect. Surgically cutting this ligament allows more of the penis to hang outside the body, thereby increasing its length. Thus unsupported, it tends to point downwards when erect, and may wobble undesirably.

In horses, the suspensory ligament is part of the suspensory apparatus of the leg. It supports the fetlock joint when the leg is supporting the horse's weight. It is frequently injured in athletic horses.

References

• The Mayo Clinic -- Penis enlargement: Fulfillment or fallacy?
• The Horse Owners Guide To The Suspensory Ligament