A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through Hesselbach's triangle. Which of the following structures form the boundaries of this triangle?

• A Medially: rectus abdominis; laterally: inferior epigastric vessels; inferiorly: inguinal ligament ✓
• B Medially: linea alba; laterally: femoral vein; inferiorly: Cooper's ligament
• C Medially: inferior epigastric artery; laterally: rectus abdominis; superiorly: conjoint tendon
• D Medially: femoral ring; laterally: lacunar ligament; superiorly: inguinal ligament

Explanation

Hesselbach's (inguinal) triangle is bounded medially by the lateral border of rectus abdominis, laterally by the inferior epigastric vessels, and inferiorly by the inguinal ligament. A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through this triangle, through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal (transversalis fascia), medial to the inferior epigastric vessels. An indirect inguinal hernia passes through the deep inguinal ring, which is lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels, i.e., outside Hesselbach's triangle.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.