Definition

Noun A large network of sympathetic nerves located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It is a central autonomic nerve center that supplies nerves to the abdominal organs.

Usage

The term plexus celiacus is used in medical and anatomical contexts to refer to a specific nerve network. It is often discussed in relation to abdominal surgery, pain management, and the autonomic nervous system.

Examples

• During the surgery, the surgeon took care to avoid damaging the plexus celiacus.
• Chronic abdominal pain can sometimes be linked to inflammation of the plexus celiacus.
• The plexus celiacus transmits sympathetic nerve fibers to the liver, stomach, spleen, and kidneys.

Advanced Usage

• Celiac plexus block: A medical procedure involving the injection of medication to numb the plexus celiacus, often used to manage severe abdominal pain, such as from pancreatic cancer.
  • The patient experienced significant pain relief after undergoing a celiac plexus block.

Variants and Related Words

• Celiac plexus: The most common synonym for plexus celiacus.
• Solar plexus: A less precise, more colloquial term that sometimes refers to the plexus celiacus region, though it can also refer to the area of the upper abdomen in general.

Synonyms

• Celiac plexus
• Abdominal brain (archaic/figurative)

Notes

The plexus celiacus is a key component of the autonomic nervous system, integrating and distributing sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers to regulate the function of abdominal viscera.

Noun

1. a large plexus of sympathetic nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach