Surgical anatomy

Inguinal canal is a tubular structure which runs inferomedially along the inguinal ligament. It originates from deep inguinal ring (located at the level of mid point of the inguinal ligament) and terminated at superficial inguinal ring (located 1 cm superolateral to the pubic tubercle).It measures between 3cm to 5 cm long.

Contents of inguinal canal

• Fascia ,internal spermatic fascia, cremasteric muscle and external spermatic fascia (In males) OR Round ligament of the uterus (In females)
• Arteries ,testicular artery, cremasteric artery (external spermatic artery), artery of ductus deferens.
• Nerves ,Ilioinguinal nerves, Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve.

Borders of inguinal canal (Remember the mnemonic MALT)

• The roof is formed by Muscles (internal oblique and transverse abdominis).
• The anterior wall is derived from Aponeuroses (internal and external oblique aponeuroses).
• The floor is formed by Ligaments (inguinal and lacunar ligaments).
• The posterior wall is formed by the conjoint Tendon and Transversalis fascia.