The inguinal rings

The inguinofemoral area constitutes the frontier between the abdomen and th e lower limb. Because of the human standing position, the inguinal region i s a zone supporting the abdominal thrust and is weakened by the orifice of the inguinal and femoral passages. Peritoneal diverticula may externalize i nto these orifices, leading to the formation of hernias. This article revie ws the anatomic constituents of the inguinofemoral region and the anatomic basis for the treatment of hernias.