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A hernia is defined as the displacement of an organ through a normal aperture (a '''true hernia''') or pathological aperture ('''false hernia''' or '''rupture'''). The mobile organs of the abdomen are most commonly displaced through apertures in the abdominal wall, diaphragm, inguinal canal or femoral canal.
A hernia is defined as the displacement of an organ through a normal aperture (a '''true hernia''') or pathological aperture ('''false hernia''' or '''rupture'''). The mobile organs of the abdomen are most commonly displaced through apertures in the abdominal wall, diaphragm, inguinal canal or femoral canal.
In a true abdominal hernia, the displaced organs are contained within a '''hernial sac''' which consists of the parietal peritoneum together with any overlying soft tissues. In an '''external hernia''', the skin forms the outermost layer and the hernial sac and its contents are be palpable. '''Internal hernias''' involve an aperture within the abdominal cavity. Since the parietal peritoneum is torn when ruptures occur, these do not have defined hernial sacs.
In a true abdominal hernia, the displaced organs are contained within a '''hernial sac''' which consists of the parietal peritoneum together with any overlying soft tissues. In an '''external hernia''', the skin forms the outermost layer and the hernial sac and its contents are palpable. '''Internal hernias''' involve an aperture within the abdominal cavity. Since the parietal peritoneum is torn when ruptures occur, these do not have defined hernial sacs.
Hernias may be '''congenital''' or '''acquired'''. Congenital hernias usually result from a failure of physiological apertures (such as the umbilical canal) to close fully during embryonic or neonatal development whereas acquired hernias may be related to trauma, wounds or to physiological weakening of tissues with age, pregnancy or chronic straining.
Hernias may be '''congenital''' or '''acquired'''. Congenital hernias usually result from a failure of physiological apertures (such as the umbilical canal) to close fully during embryonic or neonatal development whereas acquired hernias may be related to trauma, wounds or to physiological weakening of tissues with age, pregnancy or chronic straining.