A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through Hesselbach's triangle. Which set of structures forms its boundaries?

• A Inferior epigastric vessels medially, spermatic cord laterally, pubic tubercle inferiorly
• B Deep inguinal ring superiorly, lacunar ligament medially, pectineal ligament inferiorly
• C Inferior epigastric vessels laterally, rectus abdominis medially, inguinal ligament inferiorly ✓
• D Conjoint tendon superiorly, femoral vein laterally, Cooper's ligament inferiorly

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. C hernia through this defect is direct because it lies medial to the inferior epigastric vessels. Option B describes the femoral canal region, and option A places the vessels incorrectly, which would describe an indirect sac.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.