Anatomy of the Inguinal Canal. The inguinal canal is a short passage that extends inferiorly and medially, through the inferior part of the abdominal wall. It is superior and parallel to the inguinal ligament. It acts as a pathway by which structures can pass from the abdominal wall to the external genitalia. The inguinal canal also has clinical importance. It is a potential weakness in the abdominal wall, and therefore a common site of herniation. Fig 1.0 – Overview of the inguinal canal. Clinically it is important to note that the opening to the inguinal canal is located laterally to the inferior epigastric artery. In order to fully comprehend the anatomy of the inguinal canal, we must first look at its development, and the role the inguinal canal plays in the development of the genitalia. Fig 1.1 – The descent and embrylogical development of the testes. During development, the testes establish in the posterior abdominal wall, and descend into the scrotum.
Fig 1.0 – Coronal view of the pelvis. Indirect Inguinal Hernias.
Anatomy Practicals. Cranial Nerve 10, pg. 1. Labeling Exercises. BioDigital Human: A better way to understand health and the human body! Cervical Spine Anatomy - Everything You Need To Know - Dr. Nabil Ebraheim. Mono Atomic Gold -Think Twice.