Celiac plexus

The celiac plexus is a network of autonomic nerves and ganglia around the celiac artery. It carries sympathetic and parasympathetic signals to many upper abdominal organs.

Connect

Celiac ganglia: Paired sympathetic ganglia near the origin of the celiac artery that relay signals to abdominal organs. These ganglia are major relay stations embedded in the plexus.
Celiac plexus block: An injection of anesthetic or neurolytic medication near the celiac plexus to reduce abdominal pain. This procedure targets the plexus to reduce pain signals from abdominal organs.
Autonomic nervous system: The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary functions through sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. The plexus is a peripheral network within this system.
Superior mesenteric plexus: An autonomic nerve network surrounding the superior mesenteric artery and supplying midgut structures. It serves a neighboring intestinal territory rather than the plexus's foregut territory.
Greater splanchnic nerve: A thoracic sympathetic nerve carrying preganglionic fibers to abdominal ganglia and plexuses. It carries many sympathetic fibers into the celiac plexus.
Celiac plexus neurolysis: Chemical destruction of nerve tissue around the celiac plexus to provide prolonged relief of severe visceral pain. Neurolysis uses the plexus as a target for longer-lasting pain relief.
Sympathetic nervous system: The autonomic division that mobilizes bodily activity and regulates functions such as vascular tone and digestion. Sympathetic fibers form a major component of the plexus.
Inferior mesenteric plexus: An autonomic nerve network around the inferior mesenteric artery supplying hindgut structures. Its arterial landmark and hindgut distribution distinguish it from the celiac plexus.
Vagus nerve: The tenth cranial nerve, carrying parasympathetic and sensory fibers between the brainstem and thoracic and abdominal organs. Its parasympathetic fibers pass through the plexus toward abdominal organs.
Endoscopic ultrasound: An imaging procedure that combines endoscopy with ultrasound to examine structures near the digestive tract. It can guide injections near the plexus from the stomach.