Hesselbach's triangle defines the site for direct inguinal hernia. Which structure forms the lateral boundary of Hesselbach's triangle?

• A Rectus abdominis (medial border)
• B Inferior epigastric vessels ✓
• C Inguinal ligament
• D Lacunar ligament

Explanation

Hesselbach's triangle (inguinal triangle) is bounded by: laterally — inferior epigastric vessels; medially — lateral border of rectus abdominis; inferiorly — inguinal ligament (medial half). A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal (transversalis fascia) within this triangle, MEDIAL to the inferior epigastric vessels. An indirect inguinal hernia passes through the deep inguinal ring, which lies LATERAL to the inferior epigastric vessels — this is the key distinction in differentiating direct from indirect hernia.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.