inguinal canal

Structure

• obliquely directed passage through the muscular, aponeurotic layers of the lower abdominal wall (groin) on either side
• structures passing through the inguinal canal include:
  • spermatic cord (male)
  • round ligament (female)

Pathology

• herniation of pelvic contents through the inguinal canal results in an inguinal hernia

More general terms

• anatomic canal

Additional terms

• femoral canal
• inguinal hernia