Inguinal ligament

The inguinal ligament (Poupart's ligament or groin ligament) is a band running from the pubic tubercle to the anterior superior iliac spine. Its anatomy is very important for operating on hernia patients.

Structure

It forms the base of the inguinal canal through which an indirect inguinal hernia may develop.

The inguinal (crural) ligament runs from the anterior superior iliac crest of the ilium to the pubic tubercle of the pubic bone. It is formed by the external abdominal oblique aponeurosis and is continuous with the fascia lata of the thigh.

There is some dispute over the attachments.

Structures that pass deep to the inguinal ligament include:

The midpoint of inguinal ligament is midpoint between the anterior superior iliac spine and pubic tubercle.

Function

The ligament serves to contain soft tissues as they course anteriorly from the trunk to the lower extremity. This structure demarcates the superior border of the femoral triangle. It demarcates the inferior border of the inguinal triangle.