Definition
A Hernia is an abnormal weakness or hole in an anatomical structure which allows something inside to protrude
through.
Types
There are two types of inguinal hernia, direct and indirect, which are defined by their relationship to the inferior
epigastric vessels.
* Direct inguinal hernias occur medial to the inferior epigastric vessels when abdominal contents herniate through a weak spot in the fascia of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal, which is formed by the transversalis fascia.
* Indirect inguinal hernias occur when abdominal contents protrude through the deep inguinal ring, lateral to the
inferior epigastric vessels;
this may be caused by failure of embryonic closure of theprocessus vaginalis.