What does hernia mean?

The term hernia refers specifically to the protrusion of an organ or tissue through an abnormal opening in the cavity wall that surrounds it. This can happen for several reasons, such as weakness in the muscle or tissue that usually contains the organ, leading to a bulging appearance that can often be seen or felt. Hernias most commonly occur in the abdominal area and can involve organs such as the intestines or fat protruding through the abdominal wall or in the groin area. Understanding hernias is essential as they can lead to complications if left untreated, including pain or restricted blood supply to the affected organ. The other options describe different medical conditions: infection, abdominal pain, and inflammation, which do not capture the specific concept of a hernia.