What is the common term for an inguinal hernia that occurs laterally to the inferior epigastric artery?

An indirect inguinal hernia is characterized by its occurrence lateral to the inferior epigastric artery. This type of hernia typically arises from the internal inguinal ring, where abdominal contents can protrude through the inguinal canal. The anatomical pathway for an indirect inguinal hernia follows the same route as the spermatic cord in males or the round ligament in females, which is why these hernias are more common in younger individuals, particularly in infants and children.

In contrast, a direct inguinal hernia occurs medial to the inferior epigastric vessels and typically presents as a bulge in the abdominal wall that is often associated with a weakness in the inguinal canal due to muscle or connective tissue issues. Hiatal hernias involve the stomach protruding through the diaphragm into the thoracic cavity, while umbilical hernias manifest around the umbilical area, neither of which relate to the location described in the prompt. Understanding these distinctions reinforces the significance of the anatomical relationships in diagnosing hernias accurately.