Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small nerve plexus: The coccygeal plexus is a minor network of nerves located near the coccyx (tailbone).
   • Formed by specific nerves: It is specifically formed by the ventral rami (anterior branches) of the fifth sacral nerve (S5) and the coccygeal nerve (Co1).

Usage

• Anatomical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical, anatomical, and clinical contexts to describe this specific neural structure.
  • The coccygeal plexus supplies sensory innervation to the skin over the coccyx.
  • Damage to the coccygeal plexus is a rare but possible complication of pelvic surgery.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Relevance: While small, it can be involved in conditions like coccydynia (pain in the tailbone region).
  • The physician considered irritation of the coccygeal plexus as a potential source of the patient's chronic pain.

Variants and Related Words

• Coccygeal (adj): Pertaining to the coccyx (tailbone).
  • The coccygeal vertebrae are fused.
• Plexus (n): A network of intersecting nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatic vessels.
  • The brachial plexus innervates the upper limb.

Synonyms

• Coccygeal nerve plexus: A more descriptive synonym.
• Plexus coccygeus: The Latin anatomical term.

Related Terms (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Sacral plexus: A larger, more significant nerve plexus formed by lumbar and sacral nerves, located superior to the coccygeal plexus.
• Coccydynia: Medical term for pain in the coccyx area, which may involve the coccygeal plexus.

Noun

1. a small plexus formed by the fifth sacral and coccygeal nerves