Inguinal Region Anatomy

Abstract

Overview The inguinal region of the body, also known as the groin, is located on the lower portion of the anterior abdominal wall, with the thigh inferiorly, the pubic tubercle medially, and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) superolaterally. The inguinal canal is a tubular structure that runs inferomedially and contains the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females. The floor of the inguinal canal is the inguinal ligament, otherwise known as the Poupart ligament, which is formed by the external oblique aponeurosis as it folds over and inserts at the ASIS down to the pubic tubercle. This folded edge is called the shelving edge and is important for surgeons in hernia repairs. The inguinal canal is a conduit where structures pass, which has significance from an embryological and pathological standpoint.