View source for Celiac plexus

{{short description|Complex network of nerves located in the upper abdomen}}
{{Redirect|Solar plexus|other uses|Solar Plexus (disambiguation)}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2009}}
{{Infobox nerve
| Name        = Celiac plexus
| Latin       = plexus coeliacus
| Image       = Gray838.png
| Caption     = The right [[sympathetic trunk]] and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Celiac plexus labelled at center right.)
| Image2      = Gray848.png
| Caption2    = The celiac ganglia with the sympathetic plexuses of the abdominal viscera radiating from the ganglia. (Label for celiac plexus at top center.)
| Innervates  =
| BranchFrom  = [[Celiac branches of vagus nerve]]
| BranchTo    =
}}

The '''celiac plexus''', also known as the '''solar plexus''' because of its radiating nerve fibers,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar+plexus.|title=Definition of SOLAR PLEXUS|website=www.merriam-webster.com}}</ref> is a [[nerve plexus|complex network of nerves]] located in the [[abdomen]], 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 [[crus of the diaphragm|crura]] of the [[diaphragm (anatomy)|diaphragm]], on the level of the first [[lumbar vertebra]].

The plexus is formed in part by the greater and lesser [[splanchnic nerves]] of both sides, and fibers from the [[anterior vagal trunk|anterior]] and [[posterior vagal trunk|posterior vagal trunks]].

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.

==Structure==
[[File:Celiac plexus coronal.png|thumb|upright|left|Approximate location of the celiac plexus on the [[coronal plane]]]]

The celiac plexus includes a number of smaller plexuses:
{{flowlist|* [[Hepatic plexus]]
* [[Splenic plexus]]
* [[Gastric plexus]]
* [[Pancreatic plexus]]
* [[Suprarenal plexus]]}}


Other plexuses that are derived from the celiac plexus:
{{flowlist|* [[Renal plexus]]
* [[Testicular plexus]] / [[ovarian plexus]]
* [[Superior mesenteric plexus]]}}

== Terminology==
The celiac plexus is often popularly referred to as the solar plexus. In the context of sparring or injury, a strike to the region of the stomach around the celiac plexus is commonly called a blow "to the solar plexus". In this case it is not the celiac plexus itself being referred to, but rather the region around it.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}} A blow to this region may cause the diaphragm to spasm, resulting in difficulty in breathing—a sensation commonly known as "[[getting the wind knocked out of you]]". It may also affect the celiac plexus itself, which can cause great pain and interfere with the functioning of the [[viscera]]. 

== Clinical significance ==
[[File:Gray849.png|thumb|upright|left|Lower half of right sympathetic cord]]

A blunt injury to the celiac plexus normally resolves with rest and deep breathing.

A celiac plexus block by means of [[fluoroscopy|fluoroscopically]] guided injection is sometimes used to treat intractable pain from cancers<ref name="pmid17710015">{{cite journal |vauthors=Garcia-Eroles X, Mayoral V, Montero A, Serra J, Porta J |title=Celiac plexus block: a new technique using the left lateral approach |journal=The Clinical Journal of Pain |volume=23 |issue=7 |pages=635–7 |year=2007 |pmid=17710015 |doi=10.1097/AJP.0b013e31812e6aa8}}</ref> such as [[pancreatic cancer]]. Such a block may be performed by pain management specialists and radiologists, with [[CT scans]] for guidance.  

Intractable pain related to [[chronic pancreatitis]] may be an indication for celiac plexus ablation.

{{-}}
== See also ==

* [[Cardiac plexus]]
* [[Celiac ganglia]]
* [[Superior hypogastric plexus]]
*[[Manipura]]

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== External links ==

* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|40|10|01|01}} - "Posterior Abdominal Wall: The Celiac Plexus"
* {{DartmouthHumanAnatomy|figures/chapter_32/32-6.HTM}}
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=OehM0_yyozgC&q=Solar+Plexus The Solar Plexus: Abdominal Brain By Theron Q. Dumont]

{{Autonomic}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Nerve plexus]]
[[Category:Nerves of the torso]]
[[Category:Vagus nerve]]