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Celiac plexus

life science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

The celiac plexus is a large group of nerves. It sits deep in your belly. Many people call it the solar plexus. This name comes from the way its nerves spread out.

Celiac plexus coronal
Celiac plexus coronal

This network is very important for your body. It helps control many parts of your abdomen. It connects to many different organs and systems.

This nerve group works in a specific way. It is formed by several smaller nerve paths. These include the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves. Fibers from the vagal trunks also join in.

Gray849
Gray849

The main part consists of celiac ganglia. These are clusters of nerve cells. These ganglia have many fibers that connect them together. Some people also include the aorticorenal ganglia in this group.

Finding the exact spot is quite interesting. The plexus sits behind your stomach. It is also behind the omental bursa.

Celiac plexus coronal
Celiac plexus coronal

It sits in front of the crura of the diaphragm. This is near the first lumbar vertebra. It is close to where major blood vessels branch out. These include the celiac trunk and the renal arteries. It is also near the superior mesenteric artery.

Sometimes, a person might get hurt in this area. A strike to the stomach can hit the plexus.

Gray849
Gray849

This can cause the diaphragm to spasm. This makes it hard to breathe. People often say they had the wind knocked out of them. A hit can also cause great pain. This pain can affect how your organs work. Most blunt injuries go away with rest and deep breathing.

Doctors sometimes help people with very bad pain. This pain might come from chronic pancreatitis. It might also come from cancers like pancreatic cancer.

Gray849
Gray849

Specialists can perform a celiac plexus block. This is a way to stop the pain. They use a special injection to do this. They use a CT scan or fluoroscopy to guide them. This helps the patient feel much better.

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File:Celiac plexus coronal.png
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