Inguinal Canal

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

1. Oblique passage through lower part of anterior abdominal wall muscles
2. Represents weakness area in abdominal wall

Question 2

Formation

Answer 2

Formed by passage of processus vaginalis (peritoneal process) during intrauterine life through layers of anterior abdominal wall lower part

Question 3

Site

Answer 3

Above Inguinal ligament medial half

Question 4

Length

Answer 4

4 cm long

Question 5

Direction

Answer 5

Extends downwards, forwards, and medial between superficial (external) and deep (internal) Inguinal rings

Question 6

Beginning (deep or internal Inguinal ring)

Answer 6

1. Oval opening in fascia transversalis 1/2 inch above mid-Inguinal point lateral to inferior epigastric artery
2. Internal spermatic fascia extends from margins
3. Wider in males allowing - male: passage of spermatic cord
   - female: round ligament of uterus

Question 7

End (superficial or external Inguinal ring)

Answer 7

Trianglular opening in external oblique aponeurosis

Question 8

End contents

Answer 8

Medial and lateral crura
1. Medial crus is attached to symphysis pubis
2. Lateral crus is attached to pubic tubercle

Question 9

End borders

Answer 9

1. Base: pubic crest
2. Apex: directed upwards and lateral at the meeting of both crura where intercrural fibers bound them above apex
3. External spermatic fascia extends from the margins

Question 10

End anatomical difference

Answer 10

Wider in males
Males: allows passage of spermatic cord
Females: allows passage of round ligament of uterus and ilioinguinal nerve

Question 11

Boundries: anterior wall

Answer 11

1. Along whole length: external abdominal oblique aponeurosis
2. Lateral 1/2: reinforced by lower fleshy fibers origin of internal abdominal oblique

Question 12

Boundries: posterior wall

Answer 12

Weak because it is formed of fascia transversalis only
1. Along whole length: fascia transversalis
2. Medial 1/2: reinforced by conjoint tendon
3. Medial 1/4: reinforced by Inguinal ligament reflected part in front of conjoint tendon

Question 13

Boundries: roof

Answer 13

Arching lower fleshy fibers of internal abdominal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles

Question 14

Boundries: floor

Answer 14

1. Along whole length: upper concave surface of Inguinal ligament
2. Medial: reinforced by lacunar ligament

Question 15

Contents

Answer 15

1. Spermatic cord and its coverings
   - male: internal spermatic fascia and Cremasteric muscle and fascia
   - female: round ligament of uterus
2. Ilioinguinal nerve: passes below spermatic cord in canal and accompanies it through superficial Inguinal ring in both sexes