Superficial inguinal ring

The superficial inguinal ring (or external inguinal ring) is an anatomical structure in the anterior wall of the human abdomen. It is a triangular opening that forms the exit of the inguinal canal, which houses the ilioinguinal nerve, the genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve, and the spermatic cord (in men) or the round ligament (in women). At the other end of the canal, the deep inguinal ring forms the entrance.

It is found within the aponeurosis of the external oblique, immediately above the crest of the pubis, about 1 centimeter above and lateral to the pubic tubercle. It has medial and lateral crura. It is at the layer of the aponeurosis of the obliquus externus abdominis

Abdominal contents may protrude through the ring in inguinal hernia.