Inguinal canal
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Inguinal canal
A roughly 4 cm oblique passage in the lower anterior abdominal wall. It runs downward and medially, just above and parallel to the medial half of the inguinal ligament, from the deep inguinal ring to the superficial inguinal ring. It is an important potential site of inguinal hernia. Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 352
Openings
- Deep inguinal ring: Internal opening, an aperture in the transversalis fascia. It lies about midway between the ASIS and pubic symphysis, just above the inguinal ligament and lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels.
- Superficial inguinal ring: External opening, a triangular gap in the external oblique aponeurosis, just superior and lateral to the pubic tubercle. Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 352
Boundaries
| Wall | Formation |
|---|---|
| Anterior wall | External oblique aponeurosis, reinforced laterally by internal oblique |
| Posterior wall | Transversalis fascia, reinforced medially by the conjoint tendon |
| Roof | Arching fibers of internal oblique and transversus abdominis |
| Floor | Inguinal ligament, reinforced medially by lacunar ligament |
Contents
In males
- Spermatic cord
- Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
- Ilioinguinal nerve passes through the canal and leaves via the superficial ring
In females
- Round ligament of uterus
- Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
- Ilioinguinal nerve
The ilioinguinal nerve does not enter through the deep ring, unlike structures within the spermatic cord. Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 352
Clinical importance: inguinal hernia
- Indirect inguinal hernia enters through the deep ring and lies lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. It can traverse the canal and reach the scrotum or labium majus.
- Direct inguinal hernia protrudes through a weak posterior wall in Hesselbach triangle, lying medial to the inferior epigastric vessels. It usually does not traverse the whole canal. Gray's Anatomy for Students, p. 352
Memory aid:
- Indirect = Into the deep ring
- Direct = Defect in posterior wall
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