Definition

Noun: - A network of autonomic nerves: The pulmonary plexis is one of two autonomic nerve networks located within each lung. These plexuses are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions, and are involved in regulating the airways and blood vessels of the lungs.

Usage

• The term is used in medical and anatomical contexts to describe a specific neural structure.
• It is typically used as a singular noun ("the pulmonary plexis") but can be pluralized ("pulmonary plexuses") when referring to the networks in both lungs collectively.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully avoided the pulmonary plexis during the procedure.
  • Stimulation of the pulmonary plexis can affect bronchial constriction.

Advanced Usage

• "Innervated by the pulmonary plexis": A phrase describing tissues or structures that receive nerve signals from this network.
  • The bronchial smooth muscle is innervated by the pulmonary plexis.

Variants and Related Words

• Pulmonary plexus: This is the more standard and commonly used plural form. "Plexis" is a less common variant.
• Autonomic plexus: A general term for any network of autonomic nerves.
• Nerve plexus: A broader term for an interwoven network of nerves.

Synonyms

• Pulmonary nerve plexus: The full, more descriptive term.
• Lung plexus: A less specific, informal synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The pulmonary plexis is specifically an autonomic plexus, meaning it is part of the system controlling involuntary functions like breathing rate and bronchial diameter. It is distinct from somatic nerve networks that control voluntary movements.
• It is one of two such networks in each lung, often distinguished as anterior and posterior pulmonary plexuses.

Noun

1. one of two autonomic nerve plexuses in each lung