The superior mesenteric plexus is a continuation of the lower part of the
celiac plexus
The celiac plexus, also known as the solar plexus because of its radiating nerve fibers, is a complex network of nerves located in the abdomen, near where the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries branch from the abdomin ...
, receiving a branch from the junction of the right
vagus nerve
The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, cranial nerve X, or simply CN X, is a cranial nerve that interfaces with the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It comprises two nerves—the left and right ...
with the plexus.
It surrounds the
superior mesenteric artery
In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is an artery which arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the origin of the celiac trunk, and supplies blood to the intestine from the lower part of the ...
, accompanies it into the
mesentery
The mesentery is an organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall in humans and is formed by the double fold of peritoneum. It helps in storing fat and allowing blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves to supply the intestines ...
, and divides into a number of secondary plexuses, which are distributed to all the parts supplied by the artery, viz., pancreatic branches to the
pancreas
The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. In humans, it is located in the abdomen behind the stomach and functions as a gland. The pancreas is a mixed or heterocrine gland, i.e. it has both an end ...
; intestinal branches to the
small intestine
The small intestine or small bowel is an organ in the gastrointestinal tract where most of the absorption of nutrients from food takes place. It lies between the stomach and large intestine, and receives bile and pancreatic juice through the p ...
; and
ileocolic In many Animalia, including humans, an ileocolic structure or problem is something that concerns the region of the gastrointestinal tract from the ileum to the colon. In Animalia that have ceca, the ileocecal region is a subset of the ileocolic ...
, right colic, and middle colic branches, which supply the corresponding parts of the great intestine.
The nerves composing this plexus are white in color and firm in texture; in the upper part of the plexus close to the origin of the
superior mesenteric artery
In human anatomy, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is an artery which arises from the anterior surface of the abdominal aorta, just inferior to the origin of the celiac trunk, and supplies blood to the intestine from the lower part of the ...
is the
superior mesenteric ganglion
The superior mesenteric ganglion is a ganglion in the upper part of the superior mesenteric plexus. It lies close to the origin of the superior mesenteric artery.
Structure
The superior mesenteric ganglion is the synapsing point for one of the ...
.
Additional images
File:Gray838.png, The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses.
File:Gray839.png, Diagram of efferent sympathetic nervous system.
File:Gray849.png, Lower half of right sympathetic cord.
See also
*
Inferior mesenteric plexus
The inferior mesenteric plexus is derived chiefly from the aortic plexus.
It surrounds the inferior mesenteric artery, and divides into a number of secondary plexuses, which are distributed to all the parts supplied by the artery, viz., the left ...
References
External links
*
Nerve plexus
Nerves of the torso
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