Inguinal Canal Flashcards
Describe the inguinal canal
The inguinal canal is a short passage that extends inferiorly and medially, through the inferior part of the abdominal wall. It is superior and parallel to the inguinal ligament.
It acts as a pathway by which structures can pass from the abdominal wall to the external genitalia.
The inguinal canal is made up of:
Anterior and posterior walls
Superficial and deep rings (openings)
Roof and floor (or superior and inferior walls)
Describe what structures make up these borders
The anterior wall is formed by the aponeurosis of the external oblique, and reinforced by the internal oblique muscle laterally.
The posterior wall is formed by the transversalis fascia.
The roof is formed by the transversalis fascia, internal oblique and transversus abdominis.
The floor is formed by the inguinal ligament (a ‘rolled up’ portion of the external oblique aponeurosis) and thickened medially by the lacunar ligament.
What are the contents of the inguinal canal in males vs females?
The genitofemoral nerve and in men, the spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal, to supply and drain the testes, in women, the round ligament of uterus traverses through the canal.
