Groin (Inguinal) Region Flashcards
The inguinal ligament is formed by what?
The lower edge of the external oblique aponeurosis
The inguinal ligament extends from what two structures?
ASIS to the pubic tubercle
What is the lacunar ligament?
The most medial fibers of the inguinal ligament which are inserted into the superior pubic ramus
What is the pectineal ligament?
A lateral extension of the lacunar ligament along the pecten pubis (pectineal line)
How long is the inguinal canal?
3-5cm
Where does the inguinal canal begin and end?
Begins at the deep inguinal ring and ends at the superficial inguinal ring
Within the anterior abdominal wall, how does the deep inguinal ring lie?
Lateral and internal
Within the anterior abdominal wall, how does the superficial inguinal ring lie?
Medial and external
Is the inguinal canal larger in males or females?
Males
Why is the inguinal canal larger in males?
Because it also transmit the spermatic cord
What three things can the inguinal canal transmit?
Spermatic cord (male), round ligament of the uterus (female), and ilioinguinal nerve (both sexes)
What is another name for the conjoint tendon?
Inguinal Falx
The conjoint tendon is formed by the fusion of what two muscles as they insert into the pubic crest and pecten pubis deep to the inguinal ligament?
Internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles
What is the function of the conjoint tendon?
It strengthens the posterior wall of the medial half of the inguinal canal
What can the conjoint tendon prevent?
Direct inguinal hernias
What makes up the anterior wall boundary of the inguinal canal?
The aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle
What makes up the posterior wall boundary of the inguinal canal?
The conjoint tendon and transversalis fascia
What makes up the roof of the inguinal canal?
The arching fibers of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles
What makes up the floor of the inguinal canal?
The inguinal and lacunar ligaments
What is the superficial inguinal ring?
Triangular opening in the external oblique aponeurosis located immediately lateral to the pubic tubercle
The superficial inguinal ring is formed by the splitting of which muscle’s aponeurosis?
External oblique muscle
Where does the lateral crus of the splitting of the external oblique muscle’s aponeurosis insert?
Into the pubic tubercle, and some of its fibers reflect to the superior pubic ramus as the lacunar ligament
Where does the medial curs of the splitting of the external oblique muscle’s aponeurosis insert?
Into the pubic crest
What is the function of the intercrural fibers?
Strengthen the apex of the superficial inguinal ring
The deep inguinal ring is located in what layer of the abdominal wall?
Transversalis fascia
The deep inguinal ring is located above the inguinal ligament midway between what two structures?
ASIS and pubic symphysis
The deep inguinal ring lies just lateral to which vessels?
Inferior epigastric vessels
What binds the inguinal triangle medially?
Lateral edge of the rectus abdominis muscle
What binds the inguinal triangle laterally?
Inferior epigastric vessels
What binds the inguinal triangle inferiorly?
Inguinal ligament
What is an area of potential weakness in the anterior abdominal wall where direct inguinal hernias occur?
Inguinal triangle
Is the inguinal canal present before birth?
Yes; it is shorter and much less oblique, however.
Before birth, how do the superficial and deep inguinal rings lie relative to each other?
The superficial inguinal ring lies almost directly anterior to the deep inguinal ring.
Why it is important for the inguinal canal to be oblique in adults?
To allow the canal to be compressed by the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall when they contract
What is paradoxical about the muscles that increase intra-abdominal pressure, thus promoting hernia?
They also narrow the inguinal canal to prevent hernia