A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through Hesselbach's triangle. Which structure forms the LATERAL boundary of this triangle?
- A Rectus abdominis muscle
- B Inferior epigastric vessels ✓
- C Inguinal ligament
- D Conjoint tendon
Correct answer: B. Inferior epigastric vessels
Explanation
Hesselbach's triangle is bounded laterally by the inferior epigastric vessels, medially by the lateral border of the rectus abdominis, and inferiorly by the inguinal ligament. A hernia passing through this triangle, that is medial to the inferior epigastrics, is by definition direct. The conjoint tendon forms part of the posterior wall of the canal superiorly but is not a boundary of the triangle, making it the tempting distractor here.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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