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Abdominal Aortic Plexus and Its Derivatives

Plexus aorticus abdominalis

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The abdominal aortic plexus (plexus aorticus abdominalis) is an autonomic nerve plexus located on the anterior and lateral surfaces of the abdominal aorta. It serves as an important junction connecting the celiac plexus with the pelvic nerve apparatus and gives rise to plexuses supplying paired and unpaired abdominal organs.

LocalizationAorta, between the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries
ContinuationExtends inferiorly into the superior hypogastric plexus
StructureContains numerous nerve cells and small ganglia

Topography and Main Connections

Anatomically, the abdominal aortic plexus lies on the wall of the abdominal aorta. Its superior boundary is considered to be the level of origin of the superior mesenteric artery, and its inferior boundary is the inferior mesenteric artery.

The structure of the plexus contains a large number of nerve cells forming small autonomic ganglia. The plexus is integrated into the general autonomic nervous system via the following connections:

Mesenteric Plexuses

Powerful plexuses accompanying the unpaired visceral branches of the aorta are formed from the aortic plexus and adjacent structures.

Superior Mesenteric Plexus (plexus mesentericus superior)

Formed at the origin of the corresponding artery (a. mesenterica superior). Branches from both the abdominal aortic and celiac plexuses participate in its formation. It provides innervation to the following parts of the digestive tract:

Inferior Mesenteric Plexus (plexus mesentericus inferior)

Located at the base of the a. mesenterica inferior. Inferior mesenteric ganglia (ganglia mesenterica inferiora) lie in this region. The plexus is connected to the superior and inferior rectal plexuses. The innervation zone includes:

Plexuses of Paired Organs

In addition to the intestine, branches of the aortic plexus participate in the innervation of paired organs of the retroperitoneal space and lesser pelvis.

  1. Renal plexus (plexus renalis) — formed by branches of the aortic and celiac plexuses, as well as splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici).
  2. Suprarenal plexus (plexus suprarenalis) — accompanies the vessels supplying the adrenal glands.
  3. Gonadal plexuses — formed from branches of the abdominal aortic and renal plexuses, accompanying the corresponding blood vessels to the gonads:
  4. In males: testicular plexus (plexus testicularis)
  5. In females: ovarian plexus (plexus ovaricus)

Mnemonic

To remember the intestinal innervation zones: Superior mesenteric — "small and right large intestine" (up to the middle of the transverse colon). Inferior mesenteric — "left large intestine and upper rectum" (from the distal transverse colon to the upper rectum).

Frequently asked questions

What are the exact boundaries and topography of the inferior mesenteric plexus relative to the aorta and mesenteric ganglia?

The inferior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus inferior) is located along the course of the aorta below the celiac plexus. Topographically, it lies at the root of the inferior mesenteric artery (a. mesenterica inferior).

Regarding ganglia and other structures:

  • Inferior mesenteric ganglia (ganglia mesenterica inferiora) — the plexus lies together with them and includes a ganglion of the same name (ganglion mesentericum inferius).
  • Intermesenteric plexus (plexus intermesentericus) — is connected to it.

Exact anatomical boundaries of the plexus are not described in the provided materials.

Where exactly is the abdominal aortic plexus located?

It lies on the anterior and lateral surfaces of the abdominal aorta, in the interval between the origins of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.

What does the aortic plexus continue into inferiorly?

Descending along the aorta, it continues into the superior hypogastric plexus (plexus hypogastricus superior).

Which plexuses innervate the gonads?

The testes are innervated by the testicular plexus, and the ovaries by the ovarian plexus. Both plexuses are formed from branches of the aortic and renal plexuses.

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