Hernia

The protrusion of an organ or other body formation through a weakness in the wall of the cavity that generally confines it. One of the most common hernias connected with sport is an inguinal hernia (normally called a rupture). This happens in the lower abdomen when a sac made from the membrane (peritoneum) lining the abdominal wall and organs passes through the abdominal wall into the inguinal canal, an opening that leads, in males, into the testes. Inguinal hernias are often caused by lifting heavy weights, but they are also associated with obesity. We also define hernia as a part of the abdominal content protrudes or swelling through an abnormal opening in the inner layers of the wall of the abdomen. The hernial 'sac' generally contains either fatty tissue or a loop of intestine. Some general kinds are groin, umbilical, and incisional hernias.