The Inguinal canal & Inguinal hernias

This week let's explore the muscular canal found in the anterior wall of the lower abdomen, the inguinal canal. During our exploration let's apply this anatomy to a common medical condition, inguinal hernias. How do inguinal hernias occur & what is the difference between a direct & an indirect hernia? 

This week's terms are the anterolateral abdominal muscles (External & internal oblique muscles & the transversus abdominis muscle). The inguinal ligmanet & the deep & superficial inguinal rings.