Celiac plexus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Celiac plexus

The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Label for celiac plexus at center right.)

The celiac ganglia with the sympathetic plexuses of the abdominal viscera radiating from the ganglia. (Label for celiac plexus at top center.)
Latin	plexus coeliacus
Gray's	subject #220 985
MeSH	Celiac+Plexus
Dorlands/Elsevier	p_24/12647753

The celiac plexus (also known as the solar plexus) is a large plexus of nerves located in the abdomen.

1 Structure
2 Related plexuses
3 Clinical significance
4 See also
5 Additional images
6 External links

[edit] Structure

The celiac plexus is located in the vicinity of where the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries branch from the abdominal aorta, behind the stomach and the omental bursa and in front of the crura of the diaphragm. Its location corresponds with the vertebral level of L1.

The plexus is formed (in part) by the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves of both sides, and also parts of the right vagus nerve.

The celiac plexus proper consists of the celiac ganglia with a network of interconnecting fibers. The aorticorenal ganglia are often considered to be part of the celiac ganglia, and thus, part of the plexus.

[edit] Related plexuses

The celiac plexus includes a number of smaller plexuses:

Other plexuses that are derived from the celiac plexus:

[edit] Clinical significance

The celiac plexus is often popularly referred to as the solar plexus (especially by professional wrestling commentators), generally in the context of a blow to the stomach. In many of these cases, it is not the celiac plexus itself being referred to, but rather the region where it is located. A blow to the stomach can upset this region. This can cause the diaphragm to spasm, resulting in difficulty in breathing — a sensation commonly known as "getting the wind knocked out of you". A blow to this region can also affect the celiac plexus itself, possibly interfering with the functioning of the viscera, as well as causing great pain.