The direct inguinal hernia protrudes through Hesselbach's triangle. Which set of boundaries correctly defines this triangle?
- A Inferior epigastric vessels medially, rectus abdominis laterally, inguinal ligament inferiorly
- B Rectus abdominis medially, inferior epigastric vessels laterally, inguinal ligament inferiorly ✓
- C Lacunar ligament medially, femoral vein laterally, inguinal ligament superiorly
- D Conjoint tendon superiorly, pectineal ligament inferiorly, femoral vein laterally
Explanation
Hesselbach's inguinal triangle is bounded medially by the lateral border of the rectus abdominis, laterally by the inferior epigastric vessels, and inferiorly (posteriorly) by the inguinal ligament. Option A reverses the medial and lateral boundaries, which would describe the region traversed by an indirect sac. Options C and D describe the femoral canal and its relations, not the inguinal triangle, and are included to trap students who confuse the two groin spaces.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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