Abdominal Wall Ligaments & Connective Tissue

Question 1

Rectus sheath Distribution

Answer 1

Encircles the rectus abdominis-thick midline is the Linea alba

Question 2

Rectus sheath Notes

Answer 2

Rectus sheath is formed by the tendons of the external oblique, internal oblique, and transversus abdominis. Above arcuate line superficial layers are external oblique and split internal oblique tendon, deep layers are split internal oblique tendon and transversus abdominis tendon. Inferior to arcuate line all 3 muscles are superficial and the only lining on the posterior side is a thin layer called the transversalis fascia

Question 3

Inguinal ligament Distribution

Answer 3

Runs medially to pubic tubercle

Question 4

Inguinal ligament Notes

Answer 4

Forms floor of the inguinal canal, roof of the femoral triangle. Structures that traverse into the thigh pass underneath this ligament. Femoral hernias pass under this ligament

Question 5

Deep inguinal ring Notes

Answer 5

Internal opening of the inguinal canal

Question 6

Deep inguinal ring Distribution

Answer 6

Out pocketing of abdominal cavity into abdominal wall just lateral to epigastric vessels

Question 7

Superficial inguinal Notes

Answer 7

External opening of the inguinal canal

Question 7

Inguinal canal Distribution

Answer 7

Medially directed canal that runs between the deep inguinal ring and the superficial inguinal ring

Question 8

Inguinal canal Notes

Answer 8

Testes pass through these in development-testicular vessels and ductus deferens travel through the canal in males, in females the round ligament of the uterus travels through the canal

Question 8

Superficial inguinal ring Distribution

Answer 8

Split in external oblique fascia

Question 9

Round ligament of uterus Distribution

Answer 9

Travels through inguinal canal to labia majora

Question 10

Round ligament Notes

Answer 10

Developmental remnant of a ligament that enables inferior migration of gonads in development

Question 11

Spermatic cord Distribution

Answer 11

Layers of fascia encircle the ductus deferens and testicular vessels

Question 12

Spermatic cord Notes

Answer 12

Layers of the cord match to layers of the abdominal wall: dartos fascia = Scarpa’s fascia of abdominal wall; external spermatic fascia = external oblique fascia; cremaster muscle = internal oblique; internal spermatic fascia = transversalis fascia