thumb|Anatomy plate from "Handbuch der Anatomie des Menschen", published 1841 in Leipzig, Germany. (Modified to illustrate inguinal (yellow) and [[pubic region (bluish). 1 Planum interspinale, 2 rectus abdominis muscle, 3 inguinal canal)]]
thumb|Left and right inguinal regions shown in lower part of diagram
In human anatomy, the groin, also known as the inguinal region or iliac region, is the junctional area between the torso and the thigh. The groin is at the front of the body on either side of the pubic tubercle, where the lower part of the abdominal wall meets the thigh. These groin muscles adduct the thigh (bring the thigh and knee closer to the midline).
The groin is innervated by branches of the lumbar plexus. The pectineus muscle is innervated by the femoral nerve, and the hamstring portion of adductor magnus is innervated by the tibial nerve. This type of injury is related to risk factors including overuse and previous injury.
An inguinal hernia is a hernia of the groin and can be either a direct hernia, or an indirect hernia, according to its particular location. Sometimes a direct hernia may be present with an indirect hernia on the same side when it is known as a saddlebag hernia.
Like other flexion surfaces of large joints (popliteal fossa, armpit, cubital fossa), it is an area where blood vessels and nerves pass relatively superficially, and with an increased amount of lymph nodes.
In a venography procedure, the groin is the preferred site for incisions to enter a catheter into the vascular system.
See also
- Athletic pubalgia
- Loin—Space between the ribs and pelvis