INGUINAL CANAL Meaning and
Definition
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The inguinal canal is a passageway located in the lower abdomen that connects the abdominal cavity with the external genitalia. It is a tubular structure that is present on both sides of the body, running parallel to the groin crease. The canal is formed by the layers of the abdominal wall, specifically the lower fibers of the internal oblique muscle, the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle, and the transversalis fascia.
The inguinal canal serves as a conduit for various structures in both males and females. In males, the spermatic cord passes through the canal, carrying the vas deferens, testicular blood vessels, and nerves. In females, the inguinal canal gives passage to the round ligament of the uterus.
The presence of the inguinal canal is crucial during fetal development as it allows the descent of the testicles from the abdomen into the scrotum in males. In adults, the walls of the canal are normally collapsed, but they can become dilated or weakened, leading to the development of inguinal hernias.
Understanding the anatomy and function of the inguinal canal is important in the fields of medicine and surgery, particularly for the diagnosis and treatment of inguinal hernias. Surgical repair of inguinal hernias typically involves reinforcing the weakened or damaged structures of the inguinal canal.
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The canal in the lower part of the abdominal wall, transmitting the spermatic cord in the male and the round ligament in the female.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INGUINAL CANAL
- unguinal canal
- jnguinal canal
- knguinal canal
- onguinal canal
- 9nguinal canal
- 8nguinal canal
- ibguinal canal
- imguinal canal
- ijguinal canal
- ihguinal canal
- infuinal canal
- invuinal canal
- inbuinal canal
- inhuinal canal
- inyuinal canal
- intuinal canal
- ingyinal canal
- inghinal canal
- ingjinal canal
Etymology of INGUINAL CANAL
The word "inguinal" originates from the Latin word "inguen", which means "groin" or "region between the thigh and lower abdomen". The term "canal" is derived from the Latin word "canna", which translates to "tube" or "pipe". Thus, the etymology of the phrase "inguinal canal" can be understood as a reference to the tubular structure located in the groin region, connecting the abdomen and the scrotum in males or the labia majora in females.
Similar spelling word for INGUINAL CANAL
