Inguinal Canal & Spermatic Cord - NEET PG

Anatomy is a crucial subject when it comes to NEET PG/NExT exam preparations. Having a strong understanding of the subject is crucial, specifically for all the high-yield topics in anatomy. In this blog, we will take a look at one of the key topics in anatomy that is commonly covered in the NEET PG examination, Inguinal Canal & Spermatic Cord. 

Read this blog further for effective, crisp and concise medical notes on this important topic. 

BOUNDARIES AND CONTENT 

INGUINAL CANAL 

• External oblique runs antero inferiorly forms ant, wall inturned tendon forming inguinal ligament to form floor of inguinal canal.
• Superficial inguinal ring → defect in ext. oblique aponeurosis 
• Spermatic cord come from superficial inguinal ring towards testis 

Inguinal ligament 

• Attaches to anterior superior iliac spine to pubic tubercle 
• Modification of external oblique aponeurosis 
• Internal oblique forms arching fibres which form anterior wall, roof & post. wall of inguinal canal in medial aspect 

Transversus abdominis 

• More lateral & do not contribute to ant. Wall 
• Sends arching fibres to form roof & posterior wall in medial aspect 
• Merges with fibres of internal oblique forming CONJOINT TENDON

Transversalis fascia 

• Present deep to transversus abdominis
• Defect in transversalis fascia → DEEP INGUINAL RING

Also Read: Development of the Nervous System - NEET PG Anatomy

INFERIOR epigastric artery  

• Present at the medial wall of deep inguinal ring 
• Br. of external iliac artery 
• Enters the rectus sheath 
• Follows inferior epigastric vessels 
• Inferior epigastric vessels forms LATERAL UMBILICAL fold (peritoneal fold)
  • Indirect inguinal hernia → Hernia coming lateral to these vessels 
  • Direct inguinal hernia → Hernia coming medial to these vessels 
• External iliac artery becomes femoral artery after passing the inguinal ligament 

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SPERMATIC CORD 

Median umbilical ligament is formed by URACHUS 

Medial umbilical ligament is obliterated umbilical artery 

PYRAMIDALIS MUSCLE 

• Small muscle near the pubis bone attaching to it 
• Pyramidalis & rectus abdominis both covered by rectus sheath 
• Supplied by T12 nerve (subcostal nerve) 

Anterior wall	External oblique aponeurosis
Roof	Internal oblique muscle Transversus abdominis
Posterior wall	Transversalis fascia Parietal peritoneum
Floor	Inguinal lig. (densely interwoven fibres of the lower external oblique aponeurosis and adjacent fascia lata of thigh)

CUT SECTION 

Most superficial – External oblique aponeurosis contributing to external spermatic fascia 

• Internal oblique contributing to Cremasteric fascia 
• Transversalis fascia forming the internal spermatic fascia 
• CONTENTS INSIDE
  • Testicular Artery 
  • Pampiniform plexus of veins drains the testis 
  • Ductus deferens 

Nerve inside spermatic cord 

• Genital branch of Genitofemoral nerve controls cremasteric reflex 

Illoinguinal nerve outside the spermatic cord inside the inguinal canal 

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