Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Practice Exam

Which term describes a hernia that occurs within Hesselbach's triangle?

1. Femoral

2. Hiatal

3. Direct

4. Indirect

The correct answer is: Direct

The correct answer is "Direct." A direct hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, specifically within Hesselbach's triangle, which is an anatomical area in the groin. This triangle is bounded by the inguinal ligament above, the inferior epigastric vessels laterally, and the rectus abdominis muscle medially. In the context of hernias, a direct inguinal hernia does not pass through the inguinal canal; instead, it pushes directly through the abdominal wall in the area of Hesselbach's triangle. This type of hernia is typically acquired and is more common in older adults due to the weakening of the abdominal muscles. Other types of hernias, such as femoral and indirect hernias, do not occur within this specific triangle. A femoral hernia occurs below the inguinal ligament, typically occurring in the femoral canal. An indirect hernia, on the other hand, occurs when tissue protrudes through the inguinal canal and often follows the pathway that can lead into the scrotum in males. Hiatal hernias refer to a different context altogether, where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity,