A Spigelian hernia characteristically protrudes through the abdominal wall at which location?
- A Along the semilunar line at the level where the rectus sheath loses its posterior layer, below the umbilicus ✓
- B Through the linea alba midway between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus
- C Through Hesselbach's triangle medial to the inferior epigastric vessels
- D Through the obturator canal in the upper thigh
Correct answer: A. Along the semilunar line at the level where the rectus sheath loses its posterior layer, below the umbilicus
Explanation
B Spigelian hernia emerges through the spigelian fascia, the transversus abdominis aponeurosis along the semilunar (linea semilunaris) line, most often just above the level of the arcuate line where the posterior rectus sheath is absent and the wall is weakest. It is typically small, interparietal, and lies lateral to the rectus muscle, so it can be mistaken for an appendiceal abscess when on the right. Hesselbach's triangle defines a direct inguinal hernia, not a Spigelian hernia.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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