Question

In the inguinal canal, lies the
A. Posterior mesenteric artery
B. Spermatic artery
C. Internal carotid artery
D. Dorsal aorta

Answer 1

The inguinal canal is a short passage through the inferior abdominal walls that stretches inferiorly and medially. This canal serves as a pathway that allows the passage of structures from the abdominal wall to the external genitalia.

Complete answer:
Option (A) is incorrect. The posterior mesenteric artery is known for providing arterial blood to the organs of the hindgut.
Option (B) is correct. The inguinal region is also known as the groin and it is located on the lower portion of the abdominal wall, inferiorly with the thigh, medially to the pubic tubercle, and superolateral to the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS). It contains the spermatic cord in the males while in the females it contains the round ligaments. The spermatic cord of the males consists of spermatic or testicular arteries and other structures. Since, in males, this spermatic cord is present in the inguinal canal, therefore, the spermatic arteries lie in the inguinal canal.
Option (C) is incorrect. The internal carotid artery runs upward through the neck and enters through the carotid canal into the skull. This artery provides oxygenated blood to crucial structures of the body such as the brain and eyes.
Option (D) is incorrect. The dorsal aorta travels above the surface of the kidney and just beneath the vertebra.

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Note: The main function of the inguinal canal is to make a passage or thin tube that facilitates gonadal descent. The male spermatic cord lies in the inguinal canal. This spermatic cord consists of 3 arteries (artery to vas deferens, spermatic artery, and cremasteric artery), 3 fascial layers (external spermatic, cremasteric, and internal spermatic fascia), and other structures.