A Spigelian hernia characteristically occurs at which anatomical location?
- A Along the linea alba just above the umbilicus
- B Through the obturator canal
- C Through the linea semilunaris, most often below the arcuate line ✓
- D At the intersection of the inguinal ligament with the femoral artery
Correct answer: C. Through the linea semilunaris, most often below the arcuate line
Explanation
A Spigelian hernia protrudes through the spigelian fascia along the linea semilunaris, the curved lateral edge of the rectus abdominis. It almost always occurs below the arcuate line, where the posterior rectus sheath is absent and only transversalis fascia supports the area, most commonly just below the level of the umbilicus. Because it is interparietal and covered by intact external oblique aponeurosis, it is easily missed clinically and ultrasound or CT is often needed for diagnosis.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.