During open inguinal hernia repair, the spermatic cord is mobilised. Which layer of the cord is correctly matched to its muscle of origin?

• A External spermatic fascia, from the internal oblique
• B Cremasteric fascia, from the external oblique aponeurosis
• C Internal spermatic fascia, from the internal oblique
• D Internal spermatic fascia, from the transversalis fascia ✓

Explanation

The three coverings of the spermatic cord derive from the three layers of the abdominal wall: external spermatic fascia from the external oblique aponeurosis, cremasteric fascia and muscle from the internal oblique, and internal spermatic fascia from the transversalis fascia at the deep ring. This layered continuity explains why an indirect hernia sac, emerging through the deep ring, carries all three coverings with it. Options A, B and C each misassign a layer to the wrong originating muscle.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.