Nerve
Celiac plexus
Autonomic network around the upper abdominal aorta
High-yield
A plexus contains several kinds of fibers. Sympathetic fibers may relay in its ganglia, whereas parasympathetic fibers continue toward ganglia close to or within the organs.
Overview
The celiac plexus links prevertebral ganglia, thoracic splanchnic nerves and vagal fibers around the celiac origin. Its connections extend toward neighboring arterial plexuses, distributing autonomic pathways to upper-abdominal viscera.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Thoracic splanchnic nerves contribute sympathetic fibers; vagal branches contribute parasympathetic fibers.
- Root value
- Sympathetic inputs span lower thoracic segments, commonly summarized as T5–T12; parasympathetic input comes through cranial nerve X.
- Course
- Situated near the celiac origin at approximately T12–L1, with connections toward the superior mesenteric and other prevertebral plexuses.
- Motor
- Distributes autonomic fibers along arteries to regulate visceral smooth muscle, glands and vascular tone.
- Sensory
- Carries visceral afferents from upper-abdominal organs, including fibers involved in referred foregut pain.
Clinical correlation
The plexus lies near the pancreas, so pancreatic disease can involve visceral pain pathways in this region. The relationship helps explain upper-abdominal or back pain and the specialist use of celiac-plexus pain procedures.
Frequently asked questions
What type of nerve is the celiac plexus?
Sympathetic inputs span lower thoracic segments, commonly summarized as T5–T12; parasympathetic input comes through cranial nerve X.
What muscles does the celiac plexus supply?
The celiac plexus supplies the distributes autonomic fibers along arteries to regulate visceral smooth muscle, glands and vascular tone.
What is the sensory distribution of the celiac plexus?
The celiac plexus carries sensation from the carries visceral afferents from upper-abdominal organs, including fibers involved in referred foregut pain.
What is the course of the celiac plexus?
Situated near the celiac origin at approximately T12–L1, with connections toward the superior mesenteric and other prevertebral plexuses.