Which structure forms the floor of the inguinal canal?
- A Arching fibres of internal oblique and transversus abdominis
- B Grooved upper surface of the inguinal ligament, supplemented medially by the lacunar ligament ✓
- C Aponeurosis of external oblique
- D Transversalis fascia and the conjoint tendon
Correct answer: B. Grooved upper surface of the inguinal ligament, supplemented medially by the lacunar ligament
Explanation
The floor is the rolled upper, grooved edge of the inguinal ligament, reinforced medially by the lacunar ligament near the pubic tubercle. Option A describes the roof, formed where the lower fibres of internal oblique and transversus arch over the canal. The external oblique aponeurosis forms most of the anterior wall, and transversalis fascia with the conjoint tendon forms the posterior wall. Students commonly confuse floor with roof because both relate to the same muscles and ligament.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.