Boundaries of the Right-Sided Inguinal Canal

Overview

• Inguinal Canal as a Box
  • Medial side: Towards pubic symphysis.
  • Lateral side: Towards anterior superior iliac spine.
  • Direction: Downwards, forwards, and medially.

Boundaries of the Inguinal Canal

• Four Walls: Anterior wall, posterior wall, roof, floor.

Anterior Wall

• Deficiency: Superficial inguinal ring (medial deficiency).
• Structures:
  • External oblique aponeurosis (entire length).
  • Lateral one-third reinforced by internal oblique muscle fibers.
• Other Components: Skin and superficial fascia.

Posterior Wall

• Opening: Deep inguinal ring (lateral side).
• Structures:
  • Transversalis fascia (entire length).
  • Medial one-third reinforced by conjoint tendon.
• Conjoint Tendon: Fusion of transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles.

Roof

• Formed by: Arched fibers of transversus abdominis and internal oblique muscles.
• Muscle Fibers: Arched over the inguinal canal, connect anterior and posterior walls.
• Conjoint Tendon: Fuses from aponeurotic layers and forms part of the posterior wall.

Floor

• Formed by: Inguinal ligament's upper curved surface.
• Structure: Lower interned portion of external oblique aponeurosis.
• Medial Half: Forms the floor, continues with fascia transversalis.
• Continuous Boundary: External oblique aponeurosis, inguinal ligament, and fascia transversalis.

Key Structures Passing Through the Canal

• In Males: Spermatic cord.
• In Females: Round ligament of the uterus.

Summary

• Right-Sided Inguinal Canal: Structure occupying the middle half of the inguinal region.
• Roof: Arched fleshy fibers of transversus abdominis and internal oblique.
• Floor: Middle half of inguinal ligament.
• Two Openings: Superficial and deep inguinal rings.

Important Concepts

• Inguinal Rings: Openings in the canal allowing passage of major structures.
• Conceptual Box: Each wall and structure contributes to forming a protective passage.