| Celiac plexus |
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| The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Label for celiac plexus at center right.) |
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| 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 |
subject #220 985 |
| MeSH |
Celiac+Plexus |
| Dorlands/Elsevier |
p_24/12647753 |
The celiac plexus (also known as the solar plexus) is a complex network of nerves (a plexus) located in the abdomen.
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Contents
- 1 Structure
- 2 Related plexuses
- 3 Clinical significance
- 4 The solar plexus in psychology
- 5 See also
- 6 Additional images
- 7 External links
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Structure
The celiac plexus is located near 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, L1.
The plexus is formed (in part) by the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves of both sides, and also parts of the right vagus nerve.
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 plexuses
The celiac plexus includes a number of smaller plexuses:
- Hepatic plexus
- Splenic plexus
- Gastric plexuses
- 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
The celiac plexus is often popularly referred to as the solar plexus (especially by professional wrestling commentators), 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.
Celiac plexus block by means of fluoroscopically guided injection is sometimes used to treat intractable pain from cancers such as pancreatic cancer.
The solar plexus in psychology
According to Hindu beliefs, the solar plexus chakra is "the center of etheric-psychic intuition: a vague or non-specific, sensual sense of knowing; a vague sense of size, shape, and intent of being"[1]. As such, some psychics recommend "listening" to it since it may help out in making better decisions in one's life on many different levels[2].
