Inguinal triangle

In human anatomy, the inguinal triangle is a region of the abdominal wall. It is also known by the eponym Hesselbach's triangle, after Franz Kaspar Hesselbach.

Structure

It is defined by the following structures:

Medial border: Lateral margin of the rectus sheath.
Superolateral border: Inferior [epigastric vessel]s.
Inferior border: Inguinal ligament.

This can be remembered by the mnemonic RIP, Inferior epigastric artery, Poupart's ligament.

Clinical significance

The inguinal triangle contains a depression referred to as the medial inguinal fossa, through which direct inguinal hernias protrude through the abdominal wall.

History

The inguinal triangle is also known as Hesselbach's triangle, after Franz Kaspar Hesselbach.