Hesselbach's triangle defines the region through which a direct inguinal hernia protrudes. Its boundaries are correctly described as:

• A Medially: inguinal ligament; superiorly: inferior epigastric artery; laterally: rectus sheath
• B Medially: lateral border of rectus abdominis; superiorly: inferior epigastric artery; inferiorly: inguinal ligament ✓
• C Medially: inguinal ligament; superiorly: rectus sheath; laterally: inferior epigastric artery
• D Medially: femoral vein; inferiorly: inguinal ligament; superiorly: lacunar ligament

Explanation

Hesselbach's (inguinal) triangle: medially the lateral border of rectus abdominis; inferiorly the inguinal ligament; laterally the inferior epigastric artery. Direct inguinal hernias protrude through the posterior wall of the inguinal canal within this triangle (medial to the inferior epigastric vessels), whereas indirect hernias emerge lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels through the deep inguinal ring. Option D describes the femoral ring/femoral canal boundaries. This distinction is surgically important in open hernia repair.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.