Meaning & use
internal ring
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablemedicaltechnical
In anatomy, a deep opening or passage that leads inward, especially the deeper opening of the inguinal canal.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an internal ring' or 'the internal rings'.
Patterns
- the internal ring of the inguinal canal
- a deep internal ring
The surgeon located the internal ring during the hernia repair.
In males, the internal ring is where the spermatic cord exits the abdomen.
nouncountabletechnical
In engineering, a ring-shaped part that fits inside a pipe, tube, or machine to support or seal it.
Grammar: Countable: 'an internal ring' or 'two internal rings'.
Patterns
- an internal ring for a pipe
- fit an internal ring
The plumber replaced the internal ring to stop the leak.
This internal ring keeps the two sections of the tube aligned.
Word forms
| plural | internal rings |
|---|
Common combinations
- the internal ring of the inguinal canal
- The doctor explained the internal ring of the inguinal canal.
- place an internal ring
- The mechanic had to place an internal ring inside the pipe.
- a deep internal ring
- The scan showed a deep internal ring near the muscle.
Synonyms and how they differ
- deep ring
- This is a shorter term used in anatomy for the same opening.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: internal ring or external ring?
internal ring vs external ring
The external ring is the more superficial opening of the inguinal canal, while the internal ring is the deeper one.
Practice
In anatomy, what is the internal ring?
Choose one answer.
The internal ring is a deep opening, especially in the inguinal canal. The other options are not correct anatomical structures for this term.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “internal ring”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.