Conjoint tendon
| Conjoint tendon | |
|---|---|
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| The interfoveolar ligament, seen from in front. (Inguinal aponeurotic falx labeled at lower left.) | |
| Latin | falx inguinalis, tendo conjunctivus |
| Gray's | subject #118 414 |
The conjoint tendon (previously known as the inguinal aponeurotic falx) is a structure formed from the lower part transversus abdominis muscle as it inserts into the crest of the pubis and pectineal line immediately behind the superficial inguinal ring. It is usually conjoint with the tendon of the abdominal internal oblique muscle, but they may be separate as well. It forms the medial part of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal.
Clinical significance
The conjoint tendon serves to protect what would otherwise be a weak point in the abdominal wall. A weakening the conjoint tendon can precipitate a direct inguinal hernia.[1]
A direct inguinal hernia will protrude through Hesselbach's triangle, whose borders are the rectus abdominus (medially), inferior epigastric artery and vein (superolaterally), and the inguinal ligament (inferiorly). The hernia will lie medial to the inferior epigastric artery.[2] 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.
See also
- Falx (disambiguation) — other parts of the anatomy with names including "falx"
- interfoveolar ligament
References
- ^ Relevant Anatomy at University of Connecticut Health Center. Retrieved Jan 2013
- ^ Clinical Anatomy by Ernest W. April. 3rd Edition. Published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 1997. Pages 326-327.
External links
- -764739507 at GPnotebook
- SUNY Labs 35:18-0103 - "Anterior Abdominal Wall: Reflection of the Transversus Abdominis Muscle"
- SUNY Anatomy Image 7531
- Anatomy at MUN digest/abwall
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