Plexus

A plexus is a part of the nervous system where nerve fibers converge and redistribute, that is, where nerve fibers from different parts of the body come together and then go apart. The term is used in anatomy to describe a network of nerves, blood vessels, or lymphatics.

Types of Plexuses

There are several types of plexuses in the human body, including:

• Cardiac plexus: This plexus is found near the heart and is responsible for innervating the heart.
• Celiac plexus: Also known as the solar plexus, this is a complex network of nerves located in the abdomen.
• Brachial plexus: This plexus controls the motor and sensory nerves of the shoulders and upper limbs.
• Lumbar plexus: This plexus is located in the lower back and innervates the lower limbs.
• Sacral plexus: This plexus is found in the pelvis and innervates the buttocks, genitals, and parts of the lower limbs.

Function

The main function of a plexus is to combine the inputs from several sources and divide them up. For example, the brachial plexus combines inputs from several spinal nerves and divides them among the nerves that go to the arm muscles.

Clinical significance

Damage to a plexus can cause loss of function or paralysis of the body parts supplied by the nerves that pass through the plexus. For example, damage to the brachial plexus can cause a condition known as brachial plexus injury, which can lead to paralysis of the arm.

See also

• Nervous system
• Nerve
• Anatomy