Groin hernia anatomy

Indirect inguinal hernias develop at the internal inguinal ring and are lateral to the inferior epigastric artery. Direct inguinal hernias occur through Hesselbach's triangle (outlined in blue) formed by the inguinal ligament inferiorly, the inferior epigastric vessels laterally, and the rectus abdominis muscle medially. Femoral hernias develop in the empty space at the medial aspect of the femoral canal, inferior to the inguinal ligament.