Definition:
- It is a passage in the lower part of anterior abdominal wall for spermatic cord in males (or round ligament of uterus in females).
Site & Extension:
- it is 4 cm long, extending between deep and superficial inguinal rings (?), above and parallel to medial ½ of the inguinal ligament.
Boundaries:
- Floor: inguinal ligament.
Conjoint tendon
- Roof: arching fibers of both internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles.
- Anterior: external oblique having superficial inguinal ring.
- Posterior: fascia transversalis having deep inguinal ring.
Clinical anatomy:
- Inguinal canal represents a weak point in the abdominal wall through which abdominal contents (mainly intestine) may bulge through it causing inguinal hernia.
Content:
- In males
- Spermatic cord
- ilioinguinal nerve
- Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve.
- In females:
- Round ligament of uteri
- ilioinguinal nerve.
- Genital br. of genitofemoral n.