What is the inguinal ligament?

The inguinal ligament is a connective tissue structure in the inguinal area of the body. The ligament consists of a narrow band of fibrous connective tissue with a regular density.

Some of the structures that pass to the inguinal ligament include the femoral nerve, psoas major, pectineus, iliacus and the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. The inguinal ligament is also known as Poupart's ligament or the Fallopian ligament. The anatomy of this ligament is important for patients who require a hernia operation. Pain in the inguinal ligament may be a symptom of hernia, but may also be the result of a strain.