Inguinal Canal

Description

Diagram of the inguinal canal (IC) and its contents. The deep inguinal ring is formed by the transversalis fascia, and the IC is lined by the same layers that line the abdominal wall. The external superficial ring is a triangular opening in the oblique aponeurosis. The inferior epigastric artery (a.) and vein (v.) originate from the external iliac artery and vein and lie medial to the internal inguinal ring. Locations of the abdominal wall hernias in relation to the IC are as follows: Indirect inguinal hernias lie lateral to the inferior epigastric arteries (1); direct inguinal hernias lie medial and inferior to the inferior epigastric vessels (2); femoral hernias lie inferior and medial to the femoral vessels (3); and spigelian hernias lie lateral to the rectus abdominus muscle (4)

General

• Short passage that extends inferiorly, medially through the inferior part of the abdominal wall
• Superior and parallel to the inguinal ligament
• Serves as a pathway by which structures can pass from the abdominal wall to external genitalia
• Potential weakness in the abdominal wall, common site of herniation

Walls

• Anterior: aponeurosis of the external oblique, reinforced by the internal oblique muscle laterally
• Posterior: transversalis fascia.
• Roof: transversalis fascia, internal oblique, transversus abdominis
• Floor: inguinal ligament, thickened medially by the lacunar ligament

Rings

• Deep (internal) ring
  • Marks the internal opening of the inguinal canal
  • Found above the midpoint of the inguinal ligament (lateral to the epigastric vessels)
  • Created by the transversalis fascia, which invaginates to form a covering of the contents of the inguinal canal.
• Superficial (external) ring:
  • Marks the external end of the inguinal canal
  • Lies just superior to the pubic tubercle
  • Triangle shaped opening
  • Formed by the invagination of the external oblique, which forms another covering of the inguinal canal contents
  • Contains intercrural fibres, run perpendicular to the aponeurosis of the external oblique and prevent the ring from widening.

Contents

• Spermatic cord (males): contains neurovascular and reproductive structures of the tests
• Round ligament (female):
• Ilioinguinal nerve: contributes to sensory innervation of the genitalia
• Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve

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Clinical Significance

• Inguinal Hernia
• Femoral Hernia
• Needs to be updated

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See Also

• Physical Exam Hip
• Hip Pain Main
• Hip Anatomy Main
• Groin Pain Main
• Physical Exam Groin
• Groin Anatomy Main

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