Hasselbach's triangle is the region through which direct inguinal hernias protrude. Its boundaries are correctly described as:

• A Medial: inferior epigastric vessels; lateral: inguinal ligament; inferior: femoral vessels
• B Medial: linea alba; lateral: spermatic cord; inferior: pubic tubercle
• C Medial: rectus abdominis; lateral: inferior epigastric vessels; inferior: inguinal ligament ✓
• D Medial: rectus abdominis; lateral: inguinal ligament; inferior: femoral canal

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. Its floor is the transversalis fascia. Direct inguinal hernias protrude through this triangle's weakest area (medial to inferior epigastric vessels), in contrast to indirect hernias which pass through the deep (internal) inguinal ring, which lies lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. This relationship to the inferior epigastric vessels (medial = direct, lateral = indirect) is the key clinical distinguisher and the basis of the Zieman index/digital reduction test.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.