Function of the inguinal canal | The inguinal channel

Function of the inguinal canal

The inguinal canal serves to protect many structures in their course. Both the male and female inguinal canal contain the ilioinguinal nerve from the plexus lumbalis, the genital ramus from the genitofemoral nerve, lymph vessels of the inguinal region and blood vessels. These structures use the inguinal channel to exit the abdominal cavity.

Only in this way can they cross the hard abdominal wall and reach their target structures. In men, the spermatic cord and various vessels that supply the testicles also run through the channel. During fetal development, the testicles must leave the abdominal cavity to enter the scrotum.

The testicles use the inguinal canal, which is a connection between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum, and draw their supply vessels and a part of the inner abdominal wall fascia with them. This is how the so-called Processus vaginalis is formed. This phenomenon is also known as descensus testis. The female inguinal canal also contains the ligament (Ligamentum teres uteri), which connects the angle of the tube and the labia majora.

Differences between the male and female inguinal channel

The male and female inguinal canal differ most in their content. In women, the ilioinguinal nerve runs outside the ligament, in men outside the spermatic cord.

• Female inguinal channel: The contents of the female inguinal canal include the ilioinguinal nerve, the genital ramus of the genitofemoral nerve, lymphatic vessels as well as the ligament (Ligamentum teres uteri) and its supplying artery (Arteria ligamenti teres uteri).
• Male inguinal channel: It contains a significantly larger number of structures.

  The spermatic cord (Funiculus spermaticus) is the most prominent structure. It includes the spermatic duct (Ductus deferens), as well as various arteries, veins and nerves that supply the testicles and surrounding structures. In addition, the obliterated processus vaginalis peritonei is found in the inguinal canal, which can lead to the development of inguinal hernias or hydrocephalus if it is not completely closed.