Which of the following structures traverses the inguinal canal but does NOT pass through the deep inguinal ring?

• A Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve
• B Processus vaginalis remnant
• C Ilioinguinal nerve ✓
• D Testicular artery

Explanation

The ilioinguinal nerve enters the inguinal canal by piercing the internal oblique muscle near its lower border, then runs anterior to the cord and exits through the superficial ring. It therefore lies in the canal but never passes through the deep ring, unlike the spermatic cord structures such as the testicular artery, the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, and the processus vaginalis, all of which enter via the deep ring.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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