What is the inguinal canal and where is it located?

The inguinal canal is a 4 cm long, oblique passage in the lower abdomen. It runs above the medial half of the inguinal ligament, extending from the deep inguinal ring to the superficial inguinal ring.

What are the boundaries of the inguinal canal?

The canal has four boundaries: Anterior wall: External oblique aponeurosis and internal oblique (lateral third). Posterior wall: Fascia transversalis, conjoint tendon, and reflected ligament. Roof: Arched fibres of internal oblique and transversus abdominis. Floor: Inguinal ligament and lacunar ligament (medial end).

What structures pass through the inguinal canal in males and females?

In males, the canal contains the spermatic cord and the ilioinguinal nerve. In females, it contains the round ligament of the uterus and the ilioinguinal nerve.

What is the difference between indirect and direct inguinal hernias?

Indirect hernias protrude through the deep inguinal ring (lateral to the inferior epigastric artery) and follow the canal, often extending into the scrotum. Direct hernias protrude through Hesselbach's triangle (medial to the artery) and have a wide neck, rarely descending into the scrotum.

What is Hesselbach's triangle and why is it clinically important?

Hesselbach's triangle is an area posterior to the inguinal canal, bounded by the lateral border of rectus abdominis, inferior epigastric artery, and inguinal ligament. It is a common site for direct inguinal hernias due to its weaker lateral part.

How does the inguinal canal maintain its integrity to prevent hernias?

Several mechanisms help: Flap-valve: Oblique walls approximate under pressure. Guarding of rings: Muscles and tendons protect the openings. Shutter and slit-valve: Muscles and ligaments close the canal.

What are the coverings of the spermatic cord in the inguinal canal?

The spermatic cord has three coverings: Internal spermatic fascia (from fascia transversalis), cremasteric fascia (from internal oblique), and external spermatic fascia (from external oblique).

Inguinal Canal – Boundaries, Contents & Hernias

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