1.3 The Inguinal Canal Flashcards
When is the Inguinal Canal formed?
During the relocation of the Gonads during Foetal Development
What is the Inguinal Canal formed from?
Layers of the Anterior Abdominal wall, as these layers push through obliquely
How long is the Inguinal Canal (approximately)?
4cm
Where does the Inguinal Canal lie in relation to the Inguinal Ligament?
Parallel to and above it
What 2 bony points of the hip bone is the Inguinal Ligament attached to?
Superolaterally - The Anterior Superior Iliac Spine
Inferomedially - The Pubic Tubercle
What are the boundaries of the Inguinal Canal?
- The Anterior Wall
- The Posterior Wall
- The Roof
- The Floor
What forms the Anterior Wall of the Inguinal Canal?
The Aponeurosis of the External Oblique, reinforced laterally by the Internal Oblique
What forms the Posterior Wall of the Inguinal Canal?
The Transversalis Fascia
What forms the Roof of the Inguinal Canal?
- The Transversalis Fascia
- The Internal Oblique
- The Transverse Abdominis
What forms the Floor of the Inguinal Canal?
The Inguinal Ligament thickened by the Lacunar Ligament
What is found in the Medial 1/3 of the Anterior Wall of the Inguinal Canal?
The Superficial Inguinal Ring
What is found in the Lateral 1/3 of the Anterior Wall of the Inguinal Canal?
The Muscular Part of the Internal Oblique
What is found in the Medial 1/3 of the Posterior Wall of the Inguinal Canal?
The Conjoint Tendon - An Inguinal Falx reflected part of the Inguinal ligament
What is found in the Lateral 1/3 of the Posterior Wall of the Inguinal Canal?
The Deep Inguinal Ring
What is the Inguinal Ligament?
A “Rolled Up” Portion of the External Oblique Aponeurosis
Is the Superficial Inguinal Ring found Superiorly or Inferiorly?
Inferiorly
Is the Deep Inguinal Ring found Superiorly or Inferiorly?
Superiorly
What is the relationship of the Deep Inguinal Ring to the Epigastric Vessels?
It is lateral to the Inferior Empigastric Artery / Vein
Where does the Superficial Inguinal Ring lie in relation to the Pubic Tubercle?
Superolaterally
What are the Epigastric Vessels branches of Superorly?
The Internal Thoracic Artery
What are the Epigastric Vessels branches of Inferorly?
The External Iliac Artery
What are the contents of the Inguinal Canal in a male specimen?
- The Spermatic Cord
- The Genital Branch of the Genitofemoral Nerve
- The Ilioinguinal Nerve
What are the contents of the Inguinal Canal in a female specimen?
- The Round Ligaments
- The Genital Branch of the Genitofemoral Nerve
- The Ilioinguinal Nerve
What are the 3 types of Abdominal Hernias?
- An Inguinal Hernia
- A Femoral Hernia
- An Umbilical Hernia
What are the most common types of Hernias?
Inguinal Hernias
How can Inguinal Hernias be classified? And which is more common?
- Direct - Less Common (1/3)
2. Indirect - More Common (2/3)
What causes an Indirect Inguinal Hernia?
A congenital weakness in the Deep Inguinal Ring allows Abdominal Contents to enter the Inguinal Canal (lateral to the Inferior Epigastric Vessels) and even out of the Superficial Inguinal Ring.
What happens in a Direct Inguinal Hernia?
Abdominal Contents push through a weak spot in the Muscle of the Posterior Wall of the Canal, allowing Abdominal Contents to enter and even out of the Superficial Inguinal Ring
Where do Femoral Hernias occur?
Below the Inguinal Ligament
What happens in a Femoral Hernia?
When Abdominal Contents pass into the weak area at the Posterior Wall of the Femoral Canal (medial to the Inferior Epigastric Vessels)
What happens in an Umbilical Hernia?
Abdominal Contents pass through a weakness at the site of the passage of the Umbilical Cord through the Abdominal Wall. In adults these are acquired rather than congenital, although abnormal Linea Alba fibers can contribute to this
