Applied anatomy of groin - Inguinal canal anatomy - Hernia Surgery basics - Part 3
The applied anatomy of the groin is very important to understand for performing inguinal hernia surgeries as well as a commonly asked topic in exams.
The inguinal canal is a crucial anatomical structure located in the groin region of the human body. It serves as a passageway for structures like the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament of the uterus in females. This canal is formed by the opening in the lower abdominal wall, specifically the layers of the abdominal muscles. Noteworthy components within the inguinal canal include the inguinal ligament, which is formed by the lower border of the external oblique muscle; the deep inguinal ring, an aperture in the transversalis fascia; and the superficial inguinal ring, an opening in the external oblique aponeurosis. Importantly, the inguinal canal plays a pivotal role in the descent of the testes during fetal development and is also a site where hernias may occur. Understanding the anatomy of the inguinal canal is essential for medical professionals, particularly surgeons, in addressing issues related to hernias and other conditions affecting this anatomical region.