Inguinal Canal

Question 1

Inguinal canal overview

Answer 1

• Oblique passage that extends downwards and medially through lower abdominal wall
• 4cm long
• 2 openings: Deep inguinal ring and superficial inguinal ring

Question 2

Deep inguinal ring

Answer 2

• Opening of inguinal canal
• Indentation of TRANSVERSALIS FASCIA
• LATERAL to inferior epigastric artery
• 1cm superior to midpoint of inguinal ligament

Question 3

Superficial inguinal ring

Answer 3

• Terminal end of inguinal canal
• Triangular opening of external oblique aponeurosis
• 2-3cm SUPEROLATERAL to the pubic tubercle

Question 4

Walls of inguinal canal

Answer 4

MALT

Superior border:

1) Internal Oblique Muscle
2) Transversalis Fascia

Anterior border:

1) Internal oblique Aponeurosis
2) External oblique Aponeurosis

Inferior border:

1) Lacunar Ligament
2) Inguinal Ligament

Posterior border:

1) Transversalis fascia
2) Conjoint Tendon

Question 5

Contents of MALE inguinal canal

Answer 5

1) Ilioinguinal nerve (does not enter via deep inguinal ring)
2) Spermatic cord

Question 6

Contents of spermatic cord

Answer 6

1) Vas deferens
2) Lymphatics (drain to para-aortic node)
3) Tunica vaginalis (patent processus vaginalis)
4) Testicular artery
5) Cremasteric artery
6) Artery to vas deferens
7) Pampiniform plexus (act as a heat exchanger to cool arterial blood) – condense into a single testicular vein as it transverse inguinal canal
8) Autonomic nerves (sympathetic and parasympathetic)
9) Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve

Question 7

Contents of FEMALE inguinal canal

Answer 7

1) Ilioinguinal nerve

2) Round ligament of uterus (inserts at labia majora)