canal (anatomy) canal (anatomy) in anatomy, a canal (or canalis in latin) is a tubular passage or channel which connects different regions of the body. examples include: cranial region alveolar canals carotid canal facial canal greater palatine canal incisive canals infraorbital canal mandibular canal optic canal palatovaginal canal pterygoid canal abdominal region inguinal canal pelvic region anal canal pudendal canal upper extremities suprascapular canal carpal canal ulnar canal radial canal lower extremities adductor canal femoral canal obturator canal