Which type of hernia protrudes from the abdominal cavity through the internal inguinal ring?

An indirect hernia occurs when tissue, such as a part of the intestine, protrudes through the internal inguinal ring, which is an opening in the abdominal wall located at the inguinal canal. This type of hernia is often congenital, meaning it can be present from birth due to a failure of the processus vaginalis to close properly. The herniated tissue follows the path of the descending testes in males or can occur in females as well.

The internal inguinal ring serves as the entry point of the hernia into the inguinal canal, and because of this pathway, indirect hernias are typically located lateral to the inferior epigastric vessels. This anatomical distinction is essential in differentiating it from direct hernias, which occur medially to these vessels due to weakness in the abdominal wall. Understanding this differentiation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of hernias.