Topography and main connections
Anatomically, the abdominal aortic plexus is located on the wall of the abdominal aorta. Its upper border is considered to be the level of origin of the superior mesenteric artery, and its lower border is the inferior mesenteric artery.
The structure of the plexus contains a large number of nerve cells that form small autonomic ganglia. The plexus is integrated into the general network of the autonomic nervous system through the following connections:
- Superiorly: receives fibers from the celiac plexus (plexus celiacus).
- Laterally: exchanges branches with the renal plexuses.
- Inferiorly: continues directly into the superior hypogastric plexus (plexus hypogastricus superior).
Mesenteric plexuses
Powerful plexuses accompanying the unpaired visceral branches of the aorta are formed from the aortic plexus and adjacent structures.
Superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior)
Formed at the origin of the artery of the same name (a. mesenterica superior). Branches of both the abdominal aortic and celiac plexuses participate in its formation. It provides innervation to the following parts of the digestive tract:
- Small intestine
- Cecum
- Ascending colon
- Proximal part of the transverse colon
Inferior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus inferior)
Located at the base of the a. mesenterica inferior. The inferior mesenteric ganglia (ganglia mesenterica inferiora) lie in this area. The plexus is connected to the superior and inferior rectal plexuses. The innervation zone includes:
- Distal part of the transverse colon
- Descending colon
- Sigmoid colon
- Upper part of the rectum
Plexuses of paired organs
In addition to the intestines, branches of the aortic plexus participate in the innervation of the paired organs of the retroperitoneal space and the lesser pelvis.
- Renal plexus (plexus renalis) — formed by branches of the aortic and celiac plexuses, as well as splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici).
- Suprarenal plexus (plexus suprarenalis) — accompanies the blood vessels supplying the adrenal glands.
- Testicular/Ovarian plexuses — are formed from branches of the abdominal aortic and renal plexuses, accompanying the corresponding blood vessels to the gonads:
- In males: testicular plexus (plexus testicularis)
- In females: ovarian plexus (plexus ovaricus)
Briefly: answers to topical questions
What are the precise boundaries and topography of the inferior mesenteric plexus relative to the aorta and mesenteric ganglia?
The inferior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus inferior) is located along the course of the aorta below the celiac plexus. Topographically, it lies at the root of the inferior mesenteric artery (a. mesenterica inferior).
Regarding ganglia and other structures:
- Inferior mesenteric ganglia (ganglia mesenterica inferiora) — the plexus lies together with them and includes a ganglion of the same name (ganglion mesentericum inferius).
- Intermesenteric plexus (plexus intermesentericus) — is connected with it.
The exact anatomical boundaries of the plexus are not described in the provided materials.
To memorize the intestinal innervation zones: Superior mesenteric — "small intestine and right colon" (up to the middle of the transverse colon). Inferior mesenteric — "left colon and upper rectum" (from the distal part of the transverse colon to the upper part of the rectum).
Class and exam questions
Where exactly is the abdominal aortic plexus located?
It lies on the anterior and lateral surfaces of the abdominal aorta, in the interval between the origins of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.
Where does the aortic plexus continue inferiorly?
Descending along the aorta, it continues into the superior hypogastric plexus (plexus hypogastricus superior).
Which plexuses innervate the gonads?
The testes are innervated by the plexus testicularis, and the ovaries by the plexus ovaricus. Both plexuses are formed from branches of the aortic and renal plexuses.
What else to study on this topic
- Connections of the aortic plexus with the plexus celiacus
- Connections of the inferior mesenteric plexus with the rectal plexuses
- The role of splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici) in the formation of the renal plexus
- Topography and composition of the ganglia mesenterica inferiora
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