Conjoint tendon A weakening of the conjoint tendon can precipitate a direct inguinal hernia. A direct inguinal hernia will protrude through Hesselbach's triangle, whose borders are the rectus abdominis (medially), inferior epigastric artery and vein (superolaterally), and the inguinal ligament (inferiorly). The hernia will lie medial to the inferior epigastric artery. This is in contrast to an indirect inguinal hernia, which will protrude laterally to the inferior epigastric artery and is most commonly due to an embryological defect in the closure of the deep inguinal ring. Conjoint tendon The conjoint tendon (previously known as the inguinal aponeurotic falx) is a structure formed
Superficial circumflex iliac artery Superficial circumflex iliac artery The superficial iliac circumflex artery (or superficial circumflex iliac), the smallest of the cutaneous branches of the external iliac artery, arises close to the superficial epigastric artery, and, piercing the fascia lata, runs lateralward, parallel with the inguinal ligament, as far as the crest of the ilium. It divides into branches which supply the integument of the groin, the superficial fascia, and the superficial subinguinal lymph glands, anastomosing with the deep iliac circumflex, the superior gluteal and lateral femoral circumflex arteries. In 45% to 50% of persons the superficial circumflex iliac artery and superficial inferior epigastric