The inguinal rings.

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