Definition

Noun: - A complex network of intersecting nerves formed by the anterior (ventral) divisions of the lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal spinal nerves. This plexus is responsible for transmitting motor and sensory signals to and from the lower limbs, the perineum, and the coccygeal (tailbone) region.

Usage

The term is used in medical, anatomical, and clinical contexts to describe a specific structure of the peripheral nervous system. - The surgeon carefully avoided the lumbosacral plexus during the spinal procedure. - An injury to the lumbosacral plexus can cause weakness, numbness, or pain in the legs.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Assessment: Often discussed in neurology when diagnosing the cause of lower limb neurological deficits.
  • The patient's foot drop was traced to a lesion affecting the lumbosacral plexus.
• Anatomical Landmark: Used as a reference point in medical imaging and surgical planning.
  • The MRI clearly showed the roots contributing to the lumbosacral plexus.

Variants and Related Words

• Lumbar Plexus (n): A part of the lumbosacral plexus, specifically formed by the ventral rami of the first four lumbar nerves (L1-L4).
• Sacral Plexus (n): A part of the lumbosacral plexus, specifically formed by the lumbosacral trunk (L4-L5) and the ventral rami of the first four sacral nerves (S1-S4).
• Plexus (n): A general term for a network of intersecting nerves or blood vessels.

Synonyms

• Nerve network of the lower spine (descriptive synonym).

Related Phrases

• Plexopathy: A disorder affecting a network of nerves, such as the lumbosacral plexus.
  • Diabetic amyotrophy is a type of lumbosacral plexopathy.

Noun

1. a nerve plexus formed by the ventral divisions of the coccygeal and sacral and lumbar nerves; supplies the lower limbs and perineum and coccygeal area