Inguinal canal

Inguinal Canal

The Inguinal Canal is an important structure in the anatomy of the groin region of the human body. It is a passage in the anterior abdominal wall which in men conveys the spermatic cord and in women the round ligament of the uterus.

Anatomy

The Inguinal Canal is approximately 4 cm long and is directed inferomedially. It is superior and parallel to the medial half of the inguinal ligament. The canal commences at the deep inguinal ring, lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels, and ends at the superficial inguinal ring, superomedial to the pubic tubercle.

Boundaries

The Inguinal Canal has various boundaries which include:

• Anterior wall: Formed by the external oblique muscle and the internal oblique muscle.
• Posterior wall: Formed by the transversalis fascia laterally and the conjoint tendon medially.
• Roof: Formed by the arching fibers of the internal oblique muscle and the transversus abdominis muscle.
• Floor: Formed by the inguinal ligament and the lacunar ligament.

Contents

The contents of the Inguinal Canal differ between males and females. In males, it contains the spermatic cord, while in females, it contains the round ligament of the uterus.

Clinical Significance

The Inguinal Canal is clinically significant as it is a common site for the occurrence of inguinal hernias. These are protrusions of abdominal cavity contents through the inguinal canal. They are divided into two types: indirect inguinal hernia and direct inguinal hernia.

See Also

• Inguinal hernia
• Inguinal ligament
• Spermatic cord
• Round ligament of the uterus

Inguinal canal Resources
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