Inguinal cannel

Inguinal canal: This is an oblique passage in the lower part of anterior abdominal wall, situated just above the medial half of the inguinal ligament.

Boundaries:

(1)   Anterior wall:

a)      In its whole extent: By-

·         Skin.

·         Superficial fascia.

·         External oblique aponeurosis.

b)      In its lateral rd: By fleshy fibre of internal oblique.

(2)   Posterior wall:

a)      In its whole extent: By-

·         Fascia transversalis.

·         Extraperitoneal connective tissue.

·         Parietal peritoneum.

b)      In different extent: By-

·         Conjoint tendon over medial rd.

·         Reflected part of inguinal ligament at medial end.

·         Interfoveolar ligament if present, over lateral rd.

(3)   Roof: It is formed by the arched fibers of internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles.

(4)   Floor: It is formed by the grooved upper surface of inguinal ligament and lacunar ligament at the medial end.

Contents:

·         In male: Spermatic cord & ilioinguinal nerve.

·         In female: Round ligament of uterus & ilioinguinal nerve.

Clinical importance: The situation of inguinal canal is related to the weak point. So, abnormal protrusion of abdominal contents such as greater omentum & intestine may come in to the canal or through the canal due to rise of intra-abdominal pressure, chronic cough, heavy weight lifting, labour etc results in inguinal hernia.

Direct inguinal hernia	Indirect inguinal hernia
The contents of hernia enter the inguinal canal through its posterior wall.	The contents of hernia enter the inguinal canal by passing through deep inguinal ring.