Lateral inguinal fossa

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Lateral inguinal fossa

The lateral inguinal fossa is an anatomical feature located in the lower part of the anterior abdominal wall. It is a depression found lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels and is one of the three inguinal fossae, the other two being the medial inguinal fossa and the supravesical fossa.

Anatomy

The lateral inguinal fossa is situated in the region of the inguinal canal, specifically lateral to the inferior epigastric artery and vein. It is bounded medially by the inferior epigastric vessels and laterally by the lateral umbilical fold. The fossa is an important landmark in the anatomy of the inguinal region and is a site where indirect inguinal hernias can occur.

Clinical Significance

The lateral inguinal fossa is clinically significant because it is a common site for the formation of indirect inguinal hernias. These hernias occur when abdominal contents protrude through the deep inguinal ring and into the inguinal canal, often extending into the scrotum in males or the labia majora in females. Understanding the anatomy of the lateral inguinal fossa is crucial for surgeons performing hernia repair surgeries.

Related Structures

• Inguinal canal
• Inferior epigastric vessels
• Medial inguinal fossa
• Supravesical fossa
• Indirect inguinal hernia
• Deep inguinal ring
• Scrotum
• Labia majora

See Also

• Inguinal hernia
• Hernia repair
• Anterior abdominal wall
• Inferior epigastric artery
• Lateral umbilical fold