Which structure forms the floor of the inguinal canal?

Which structure forms the floor of the inguinal canal?

• A. Inguinal ligament
• B. Pectineal ligament
• C. Iliopubic tract
• D. Transversalis fascia

Answer: (A)

The floor of the inguinal canal is formed by the inguinal ligament, which is the thickened inferior border of the external oblique aponeurosis running from the ASIS to the pubic tubercle. The canal sits just above this ligament, and medially the lacunar ligament helps complete the floor. The other structures don’t form the floor: the pectineal ligament is part of the posterior boundary of the femoral canal, the iliopubic tract reinforces the posterior/medial boundary but is not the primary floor, and the transversalis fascia forms the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.

The floor of the inguinal canal is formed by the inguinal ligament, which is the thickened inferior border of the external oblique aponeurosis running from the ASIS to the pubic tubercle. The canal sits just above this ligament, and medially the lacunar ligament helps complete the floor. The other structures don’t form the floor: the pectineal ligament is part of the posterior boundary of the femoral canal, the iliopubic tract reinforces the posterior/medial boundary but is not the primary floor, and the transversalis fascia forms the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.