Prevertebral plexus

Prevertebral Plexus

The Prevertebral Plexus is a network of nerve fibers located anterior to the vertebral column. It is a part of the Autonomic Nervous System and plays a crucial role in the regulation of various body functions.

Anatomy

The Prevertebral Plexus is situated in front of the vertebral column and is formed by the anterior branches of the Spinal Nerves. It is primarily composed of sympathetic fibers, but also contains parasympathetic and visceral afferent fibers. The plexus extends from the base of the skull to the coccyx, and is divided into three parts: cervical, thoracic, and lumbar.

Cervical Part

The cervical part of the Prevertebral Plexus is associated with the Pharyngeal Plexus and the Superior Cervical Ganglion. It provides innervation to the structures in the neck and upper thorax.

Thoracic Part

The thoracic part of the Prevertebral Plexus is associated with the Cardiac Plexus, Pulmonary Plexus, and the Esophageal Plexus. It provides innervation to the heart, lungs, and esophagus.

Lumbar Part

The lumbar part of the Prevertebral Plexus is associated with the Inferior Mesenteric Plexus and the Hypogastric Plexus. It provides innervation to the lower abdominal and pelvic organs.

Function

The Prevertebral Plexus plays a vital role in the autonomic regulation of various body functions. It carries sympathetic, parasympathetic, and visceral afferent fibers, which control the function of the heart, lungs, esophagus, and lower abdominal and pelvic organs.

Clinical Significance

Damage or disease affecting the Prevertebral Plexus can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the specific area of the plexus that is affected. These may include difficulty swallowing (if the esophageal plexus is affected), irregular heart rhythms (if the cardiac plexus is affected), or bowel and bladder dysfunction (if the hypogastric plexus is affected).

See Also

• Autonomic Nervous System
• Spinal Nerves
• Pharyngeal Plexus
• Superior Cervical Ganglion
• Cardiac Plexus
• Pulmonary Plexus
• Esophageal Plexus
• Inferior Mesenteric Plexus
• Hypogastric Plexus