Inguinal Canal Anatomy Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

The inguinal canal is an oblique passage, 4 cm long, directed downwards, forwards, and medially.
It extends from the deep inguinal ring to the superficial inguinal ring, just above the medial half of the inguinal ligament.

The deep inguinal ring is an oval opening in the fascia transversalis, ½ inch above the mid-inguinal point, and immediately lateral to the inferior epigastric artery.
The superficial inguinal ring is a triangular gap in the external oblique aponeurosis, superolateral to the pubic tubercle, and forms the base of a triangle with the pubic crest.

The anterior wall is composed of skin, superficial fascia, external oblique aponeurosis, and fleshy fibers of the internal oblique muscle (laterally).
The posterior wall is composed of fascia transversalis, extraperitoneal tissue, parietal peritoneum, and the conjoint tendon (medially).
The roof is formed by the arched fibers of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles.
The floor is formed by the inguinal ligament and the lacunar ligament.

The obliquity of the inguinal canal and the inguinal rings not lying opposite each other create a flap valve mechanism.
The superficial inguinal ring is guarded from behind by the conjoint tendon.
The deep inguinal ring is guarded from the front by the internal oblique muscle.
Contraction of the external oblique muscle approximates the two crura.