An inguinal hernia appears through the superficial inguinal ring above the pubic tubercle and crest.
A femoral hernia (see below) appears through the femoral canal below and lateral to the pubic tubercle.
A hernia is the protrusion of a viscus, in part or in whole, through a normal or abnormal opening. The viscus usually carries a covering of parietal peritoneum, which forms the lining of the hernial sac.