Groins

Groins may refer to two distinct concepts. In human anatomy, the bilateral groin or inguinal region is the area where the torso meets the thigh. It is bounded by the inguinal ligament and contains the inguinal canal, nerves, and vessels, with the spermatic cord in males and the round ligament in females. The groin is a common site of injuries and disorders, including groin strains and inguinal or femoral hernias. Diagnosis relies on examination, and management varies with the condition.

In coastal engineering, a groin is a shore-protection structure built to interrupt longshore sediment transport and trap sand to widen beaches. Groins extend from the shore into the water, usually perpendicular to the coastline, and can be made of rock, concrete, or timber. They are often used with other defenses such as seawalls or breakwaters. Effects include sand accretion on the updrift side and increased erosion on the downdrift side, which can require maintenance, beach nourishment, or adjustments. Effectiveness depends on local littoral processes, and groins must be designed and monitored to prevent unintended sediment imbalances and structural failure.