The crura of the superficial inguinal ring (4) may be seen on either side of the spermatic cord. Above the level at which the cord emerges through the superficial ring the crura are covered by fibres of the intercrural fascia. Below the inguinal ligament the femoral sheath (13) has been exposed by removing the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, the cribriform fascia and part of the fascia lata which bounds the saphenous opening. The inferior part of the falciform margin of this opening has been retained (17).
1
.
Inguinal ligament
2
.
Location of femoral canal (note lymphatic vessels penetrating femoral sheath in this area)
3
.
Intercrural fibers
4
.
Superficial inguinal ring (left pointer, medial crus; right pointer, lateral crus)
5
.
Ilioinguinal nerve (cut off)
6
.
Spermatic cord (external spermatic fascia removed; cremasteric fascia exposed)