Question

Scrotum communicates with the abdominal cavity through?

Answer 1

Hint: It is a passage that extends inferiorly and medially through the inferior part of the abdominal wall. It is parallel to the inguinal ligament. It acts as a path through which structures can pass to external genitalia from the abdominal wall. It is of clinical importance as it is a common site of hernia. During embryonic development it is flanked by an out-pocketing of the peritoneum. This process is called processus vaginalis. It is an important process failure of which can lead to disorders.

Complete answer:
The inguinal canals found in the inguinal region extends from the lower abdomen into the medial part of the proximal thighs on each side. It is a passage through which the male gonads reach the scrotal sac from its abdominal point of origin. The inguinal canal is more developed and is larger in size in males than females. The canal has two openings called deep inguinal ring and superficial inguinal ring.
The inguinal canal has four boundaries namely the superior wall (roof) made by the internal oblique muscle and transversus abdominis muscle, anterior wall made by external oblique aponeurosis and internal oblique aponeurosis, inferior wall made by inguinal ligament and lacunar ligament and a posterior wall made by transversalis fascia and conjoint tendon.
A highly rare clinical disorder is Abdominoscrotal Hydrocele (ASH). It is characterized by a large scrotal hydrocele that communicates with the abdominal cavity through the inguinal canal.

Note:
A well developed and proper inguinal canal is important in the human body as it permits the blood vessels, nerves, vas deferens and lymphatics to supply the scrotal contents. It also prevents the mobile intestinal contents from entering the scrotum.