[About the protective physiologic mechanisms of the groin area]

Each anatomic structure in the groin area has certain function, which is demonstrated during the increases of intraabdominal pressure. Functionally, the area is a multi-element perfectly synchronized system. According to the literature data its physiologic protective mechanisms against the pressure are: the oblique direction of the inguinal canal in the abdominal wall; the tension mechanism of transversal fascia; the internal and the external mechanism for protection of the inguinal canal; the sphincter mechanism of Lytle; the tamponade function of cremaster muscle; the mechanisms for constricting the internal femoral ring. Each of them is discussed according to the opinion of leading surgeons and the author's opinion on the basis of his experience.