Celiac plexus

Nerve: Celiac plexus
The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexi. (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	p.985
From	celiac branches of vagus nerve
MeSH	Celiac+Plexus

The celiac plexus or coeliac plexus, also known as the solar plexus because of its radiating nerve fibers,^[1] is a complex network of nerves (a plexus) located in the abdomen, where the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries branch from the abdominal aorta. It is behind the stomach and the omental bursa, and in front of the crura of the diaphragm, on the level of the first lumbar vertebra.

The plexus is formed (in part) by the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves of both sides, and fibers from the anterior and posterior vagal trunks.

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.

Related plexi

Approximate location of the celiac plexus on the coronal plane

The celiac plexus includes a number of smaller plexi:

• Hepatic plexus
• Splenic plexus
• Gastric plexus
• Pancreatic plexus
• Suprarenal plexus

Other plexuses that are derived from the celiac plexus:

• Renal plexus
• Testicular plexus / ovarian plexus
• Superior mesenteric plexus
• Inferior mesenteric plexus

Clinical significance

Lower half of right sympathetic cord

The celiac plexus is often popularly referred to as the solar plexus, 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.

A celiac plexus block by means of fluoroscopically guided injection is sometimes used to treat intractable pain from cancers^[2] such as pancreatic cancer. Frequently, celiac plexus block is performed by pain management specialists and radiologists, with CT scans for guidance. Intractable pain related to chronic pancreatitis is an important indication for celiac plexus ablation.

See also

• Cardiac plexus
• Hypogastric plexus
• Celiac ganglia

References

External links

• 40:10-0101 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center - "Posterior Abdominal Wall: The Celiac Plexus"
• Human anatomy at Dartmouth figures/chapter_32/32-6.HTM
• celiac+plexus at eMedicine Dictionary
• The Solar Plexus: Abdominal Brain By Theron Q. Dumont