Which abdominal wall layer is continuous with the external spermatic fascia?

Which abdominal wall layer is continuous with the external spermatic fascia?

• A. Internal oblique
• B. External oblique
• C. Transversus abdominis
• D. Rectus abdominis

Answer: (B)

As the spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal, the abdominal wall layers become the coverings of the cord. The external spermatic fascia is formed directly from the external oblique aponeurosis, so the abdominal wall layer that remains continuous with it is the external oblique. The deeper layers contribute other coverings: cremasteric fascia and muscle from the internal oblique, internal spermatic fascia from the transversalis fascia, while the rectus abdominis does not form a cord covering.

As the spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal, the abdominal wall layers become the coverings of the cord. The external spermatic fascia is formed directly from the external oblique aponeurosis, so the abdominal wall layer that remains continuous with it is the external oblique. The deeper layers contribute other coverings: cremasteric fascia and muscle from the internal oblique, internal spermatic fascia from the transversalis fascia, while the rectus abdominis does not form a cord covering.