In which area does a direct inguinal hernia protrude?

A direct inguinal hernia protrudes medial to the inferior epigastric artery. This type of hernia occurs when abdominal contents, usually fat or a portion of the intestine, push through a weakness in the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, a pathway that transmits structures from the abdomen to the groin.

Anatomically, the inferior epigastric artery serves as a key landmark in differentiating between direct and indirect inguinal hernias. Direct hernias emerge directly through a weakness in the transversalis fascia, which is located medial to this artery. Understanding this anatomy is crucial when evaluating or treating hernias, as it influences surgical techniques and approaches.

Other areas mentioned, such as lateral to the inferior epigastric artery, above the inguinal ligament, and beneath the femoral canal, describe features specific to different types of hernias or locations unrelated to direct inguinal hernias. Lateral hernias are typically indirect inguinal hernias, which pass through the deep inguinal ring, while the femoral canal is more associated with femoral hernias.