During inguinal hernia repair, a structure is found lying on the anterior surface of the spermatic cord within the inguinal canal but outside the internal spermatic fascia. Which structure is this?

• A Ilioinguinal nerve ✓
• B Pampiniform plexus of veins
• C Genital branch of genitofemoral nerve
• D Artery to the vas deferens

Explanation

The ilioinguinal nerve enters the inguinal canal through its lateral third after piercing the internal oblique, runs on the anterior surface of the cord, and exits the superficial ring. It is not enclosed within the three fascial layers derived from the abdominal wall, unlike the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve which lies within the cremasteric layer. The pampiniform plexus and artery to the vas are true contents inside the cord.

Reference: Last's Anatomy: Regional and Applied, 13th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.