Inguinal Canal Boundaries Mnemonic

The "roof" or superior surface of the inguinal canal is formed by two muscles: The Internal oblique and transverse abdominus.

The internal oblique muscle is one of the muscles forming the roof of the inguinal canal.

The transverse abdominus muscle helps form the roof of the inguinal canal.

The anterior wall of the inguinal canal is formed by the aponeuroses of the external abdominal oblique and internal abdominal oblique muscles.

The anterior wall of the inguinal canal is formed by the external and internal abdominal oblique aponeuroses.

The lacunar and inguinal ligaments form the floor or anatomically inferior surface of the inguinal canal.

The lacunar ligament is one of the ligaments that forms the floor of the inguinal canal.

The inguinal ligament helps form the floor of the inguinal canal.

The posterior wall of the inguinal canal is formed by two T's: Transversalis fascia, and the conjoint Tendon.

The transversalis fascia helps form the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.

The conjoint tendon helps form the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.

The deep inguinal ring is formed by a defect or hole in the transversalis fascia.

The superficial inguinal ring is formed by a hold in the external abdominal oblique aponeurosis. In hernias, when intestines protrude through the abdominal cavity and exit through the path of the inguinal canal, they may protrude through the superficial ring. This is in contrast to a direct inguinal hernia, which instead of traveling through the path of the inguinal canal protrudes directly through the abdominal wall.