superficial (external) inguinal ring

Introduction

The slit like opening between the diagonal fibers of the aponeurosis of external oblique muscle, superolateral to the pubic tubercle through which the spermatic cord(round ligament in the female) & inguinal hernias emerge from the inguinal canal.

The split in the aponeurosis results in the lateral & medial margins of the superficial ring (crura = leglike parts). The lateral crus attaches to the pubic tubercle, medial crus to the pubic crest.

Function

Fibers arising from the inguinal ligament (intercrural fibers) help to prevent the crura from spreading apart(they prevent the split in the aponeurosis from expanding).

More general terms

• anatomic region

Additional terms

• deep (internal) inguinal ring
• external spermatic fascia
• round ligament of uterus (ligamentum teres uteri)

Component of

• perineum