Canal of Nuck

Last revised by Yusra Sheikh on 22 Nov 2020

The canal of Nuck is an abnormal patent pouch of parietal peritoneum extending anteriorly from the round ligament of the uterus into the labia majora through the inguinal ring into the inguinal canal. Incomplete obliteration of this canal is known as a patent processus vaginalis and can result in either an inguinal hernia or a hydrocele in female children. It can provide a pathway for superficial inguinal endometriosis.

History and etymology

It is named after Anton (or Antoine) Nuck (1650-1692), a Dutch anatomist, who first described this anatomical structure in 1691 2,4.

Related pathology

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.