General principle of abdominal plexus formation
An extensive network of neural communications is formed in the abdominal cavity. Branches originating from the thoracic and lumbar sympathetic trunk (which carry predominantly preganglionic fibers) head toward the so-called prevertebral ganglia.
In these areas, they connect with branches of the vagus nerve, forming complex autonomic plexuses. It is through such plexuses that three key types of nerve conductors reach the internal organs:
- sympathetic postganglionic fibers;
- parasympathetic preganglionic fibers;
- sensory (afferent) fibers.
Topography of the celiac plexus
Among all such structures, the celiac plexus (plexus celiacus) stands out for its scale—it is an absolute record-holder, being the largest autonomic plexus in the entire abdominal cavity.
Its location is strictly tied to vascular landmarks. The plexus structures lie on both sides of the base of the celiac trunk (truncus celiacus). Relative to the abdominal aorta, they are located laterally and are also in close topographic proximity to the adrenal glands.
Morphological composition
Anatomically, the plexus celiacus is a complex ganglion in the formation of which several important elements take part. Its composition includes:
- Celiac ganglia (ganglia celiaca) — the main clusters of nerve cells.
- Branches of the greater and lesser thoracic splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici thoracici major et minor).
- Branches of the vagus nerve (n. vagus).
Connections and secondary plexuses
The celiac plexus does not function in isolation; it is integrated into a single autonomic network through distinct connections.
- Superiorly, it communicates with the thoracic aortic plexus (plexus aorticus thoracicus).
- Inferiorly, it connects with the superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior).
The main functional significance of the celiac plexus is that numerous secondary plexuses originate from it. These derivative neural networks accompany blood vessels and reach target organs together with them, ensuring their full innervation.
Briefly: answers to topical questions
Which specific secondary plexuses originate from the celiac plexus?
Several secondary autonomic plexuses of the abdominal cavity originate from the celiac plexus. Its derivatives include:
- Superior gastric plexus
- Inferior gastric plexus
- Hepatic plexus
- Splenic plexus (plexus splenicus / plexus lienalis)
- Superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior)
- Pancreatic plexus (plexus pancreaticus)
- Renal plexus (plexus renalis)
Which abdominal organs are innervated by branches of the celiac plexus?
The branches of the celiac plexus and its derivatives provide autonomic innervation to a number of internal organs of the abdominal cavity. Through this largest plexus, the following are innervated:
- Stomach
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Adrenal glands (form the sympathoadrenal system)
- Kidneys
Which nerve ganglia are part of the celiac plexus?
The celiac plexus includes several autonomic nerve ganglia where synapses onto postganglionic sympathetic fibers occur. These include:
- Celiac ganglia (ganglia celiaca) — two ganglia (right and left).
- Aortico-renal ganglia (ganglia aortorenalia) — two ganglia.
- Superior mesenteric ganglion (ganglion mesentericum superius) — an unpaired ganglion.
Along the course of which blood vessels do the secondary plexuses from the celiac plexus spread?
The secondary plexuses branching from the celiac plexus are perivascular and spread along the course of the abdominal blood vessels. In particular, they accompany:
- Splenic artery (a. splenica) — the splenic plexus is formed around it.
- Gastroduodenal artery (a. gastroduodenalis) — participates in the formation of the pancreatic plexuses.
- Pancreatic arteries — surrounded by the pancreatic plexus.
- Adrenal vessels — accompanied by the suprarenal plexus.
Is the solar plexus (plexus solaris) a synonym for the celiac plexus, and what does it include?
Yes, the term "solar plexus" is an outdated synonym for the celiac plexus (plexus celiacus). It includes:
- Nerve ganglia: celiac (ganglia celiaca), aortico-renal (ganglia aortorenalia), and superior mesenteric (ganglion mesentericum superius).
- Nerve fibers: branches of the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici thoracici major et minor), carrying preganglionic sympathetic fibers, as well as branches of the vagus nerve (n. vagus).
Class and exam questions
Where exactly is the celiac plexus located?
It is located on either side of the base of the celiac trunk (truncus celiacus), lateral to the aorta, near the adrenal glands.
Which nerve fibers pass through the abdominal autonomic plexuses to the organs?
Sympathetic postganglionic fibers, parasympathetic preganglionic fibers, and sensory fibers pass through them.
What plexuses are connected with the plexus celiacus?
Superiorly, it is connected to the thoracic aortic plexus (plexus aorticus thoracicus), and inferiorly to the superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior).
What is the role of the secondary plexuses?
Secondary plexuses branching from the celiac plexus accompany blood vessels and directly innervate the abdominal organs.
What else to study on this topic
- Structure and cellular composition of the celiac ganglia (ganglia celiaca)
- Topography of the greater and lesser thoracic splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici thoracici major et minor)
- Anatomy of the superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior)
- Thoracic aortic plexus (plexus aorticus thoracicus) and its branches
- Classification of secondary abdominal plexuses
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