Inguinal Canal

Question 1

What is the roof of the inguinal canal comprised of?

Answer 1

2 muscles

• internal oblique
• transverse abdominis

Question 2

What is the floor of the inguinal canal comprised of?

Answer 2

2 ligaments

• inguinal ligament
• lacunar ligament

Question 3

What is the anterior wall of the inguinal canal comprised of?

Answer 3

2 aponeuroses

• aponeurosis of internal oblique (lateral 1/3)
• aponeurosis of external oblique

Question 4

What is the posterior wall of the inguinal canal comprised of?

Answer 4

2 T’s

• transversalis fascia
• conjoint tendon

Question 5

Where is the deep inguinal ring found?

Answer 5

Above the midpoint of the inguinal ligament.

Question 6

Where is the superficial inguinal ring found?

Answer 6

Just superior to the pubic tubercle.

Question 7

What is the difference between the mid-inguinal point and the midpoint of the inguinal ligament?

Answer 7

The mid-inguinal point is halfway between the AS iliac spine and pubic symphysis - femoral artery landmark.

The midpoint of the inguinal ligament is halfway between the AS iliac spine and pubic tubercle - deep ring just superior to this.

Question 8

What are the contents of the inguinal canal?

Answer 8

• Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve.
• Ilio-inguinal nerve.
• Spermatic cord in men and round ligament in woman.

Question 9

What is the difference between an indirect and a direct hernia?

Answer 9

Indirect is congenital - sac passes through deep inguinal ring due to the processes vaginalis still being present.

Direct is acquired due to weakening of abdominal musculature.