A direct inguinal hernia protrudes through the Hesselbach triangle, while an indirect inguinal hernia does not. However, both types of hernia will likely involve intestines or bowel.  A direct inguinal hernia typically occurs in older individuals from weakness in the abdominal wall due to age. A direct inguinal hernia occurs when the intestines protrude through the Hesselbach triangle into the inguinal canal, a short passageway in the anterior abdomen which allows structures to transverse the abdominal wall to the external genitalia. Once in the inguinal canal, the hernia can then pass through and exit the inguinal canal through the superficial inguinal ring. This protrusion creates the characteristic lump in the groin that can be seen with a direct inguinal hernia.  Conversely, an indirect inguinal hernia occurs most frequently in males during both infancy and in older age, due to an incomplete closure of the deep inguinal ring, or entrance of the inguinal canal. In males, the deep inguinal ring, which allows the testicles to drop during puberty, is generally closed once the testicles descend into the scrotum. However, if it does not close completely, an indirect inguinal hernia can develop.  Unlike a direct inguinal hernia, which only penetrates the superficial inguinal ring of the inguinal canal after creating its own entrance into the inguinal canal, an indirect inguinal hernia enters the inguinal canal through both the deep inguinal ring and the superficial inguinal ring before protruding, most commonly, into the scrotum. An indirect inguinal hernia does not protrude through a weakness in the wall of the Hesselbach triangle.