Interfoveolar ligament

The interfoveolar ligament (of Hesselbach) is a tendinous structure that forms from the transversus abdominus muscle .

Gross anatomy

A band of fibers run from the inferior and posterior aspect of transversus abdominus to insert into the inguinal ligament anterior to the transversalis fascia.

Relations

Laterally the deep inguinal ring can be found, and medially the medial inguinal fossa can be found. Posteriorly situated is the inferior epigastric vessels.

In the male, the ductus deferens hooks around the interfoveolar ligament as it exits the deep inguinal ring. Conversely in the female, it is the round ligament of the uterus.

Function

The interfoveolar ligament forms the functional medial border of the deep inguinal ring.

History and etymology

Named after Franz Kaspar Hesselbach, 1759-1816, a surgeon and anatomist  .