Ultrasound of the Inguinal canal : part 1

Abstract

Ultrasound has a major role in detecting disease in the inguinal region. A good knowledge of the anatomy and pathologic findings on ultrasound is required to reach a correct diagnosis. The structure and function of the inguinal canal can only be appreciated when one understands what occurs at this site during the embryonic and fetal periods. The formation of the inguinal canal starts at the 7th week of gestation. In males, it represents the passage through which the testis passes from its intraabdominallocation of origin to the scrotum, its normal location at birth. In females, it contains the round ligament of the uterus.