Anatomy of the Abdomen and Groin

Hernias occur when part of the body bulges into an area where it shouldn’t. Most often, this happens when tissues in the abdomen bulge through an opening into the groin. Normally, the abdomen and groin are kept separate by a wall of muscle and tissue. The only natural openings in the wall are small tunnels called canals. These allow nerves, blood vessels, and other structures to pass between these two areas.

The abdominal wall is formed by layers of tissue, such as muscle and connective tissue. It helps protect and enclose the intestines and other organs.

The Abdomen and Groin

• Thin sheets of muscle enclose the intestines and other organs in the abdomen.

• Connective tissue (fascia) helps bind the abdominal muscles together.

• The inguinal canal is a tunnel in the groin. It is formed by layers of muscle and other tissues in the abdominal wall.

• The femoral canal is a tunnel in the abdominal wall that allows blood vessels and nerves to pass through the groin into the leg.

• The spermatic cord passes through the inguinal canal and connects to the testicle.