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Celiac Plexus

Plexus celiacus

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The celiac plexus is the largest autonomic plexus in the abdominal cavity. It is located at the base of the celiac trunk and serves as the main distribution center from which secondary plexuses branch out to innervate the internal organs.

StatusLargest autonomic plexus in the abdominal cavity
LocalizationLateral to the aorta, on both sides of the celiac trunk, near the adrenal glands
Superior connectionThoracic aortic plexus (*plexus aorticus thoracicus*)
Inferior connectionSuperior mesenteric plexus (*plexus mesentericus superior*)

General Principles of Abdominal Plexus Formation

An extensive network of neural communications forms within the abdominal cavity. Branches originating from the thoracic and lumbar sympathetic trunks (which carry predominantly preganglionic fibers) travel toward the prevertebral ganglia.

In these areas, they merge with branches of the vagus nerve to form complex autonomic plexuses. Through these plexuses, three key types of nerve fibers reach the internal organs:

Topography of the Celiac Plexus

Among all similar structures, the celiac plexus (plexus celiacus) stands out by its scale—it is the absolute record-holder and the largest autonomic plexus in the entire abdominal cavity.

Its location is strictly tied to vascular landmarks. The structures of the plexus lie on both sides of the base of the celiac trunk (truncus celiacus). Relative to the abdominal aorta, they are situated laterally and in close topographical proximity to the adrenal glands.

Morphological Composition

Anatomically, the plexus celiacus is a complex ganglionated network incorporating several vital elements. Its composition includes:

  1. Celiac ganglia (ganglia celiaca) — the main clusters of nerve cell bodies.
  2. Branches of the greater and lesser thoracic splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici thoracici major et minor).
  3. Branches of the vagus nerve (n. vagus).

Connections and Secondary Plexuses

The celiac plexus does not function in isolation; it is integrated into a unified autonomic network via distinct connections.

The primary functional significance of the celiac plexus is that numerous secondary plexuses originate from it. These derivative nerve networks accompany blood vessels and reach target organs alongside them, providing comprehensive innervation.

Frequently asked questions

What specific secondary plexuses originate from the celiac plexus?

Several secondary autonomic plexuses of the abdominal cavity originate from the celiac plexus. Its derivatives include:

  • Superior gastric plexus
  • Inferior gastric plexus
  • Hepatic plexus
  • Splenic plexus (plexus splenicus / plexus lienalis)
  • Superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior)
  • Pancreatic plexus (plexus pancreaticus)
  • Renal plexus (plexus renalis)
Which abdominal organs are innervated by branches of the celiac plexus?

Branches of the celiac plexus and its derivatives provide autonomic innervation to several abdominal internal organs. Through this major plexus, innervation is supplied to:

  • Stomach
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Adrenal glands (forming the sympathoadrenal system)
  • Kidneys
What nerve ganglia are part of the celiac plexus?

The celiac plexus contains several autonomic ganglia where synapses with postganglionic sympathetic fibers occur. These include:

  • Celiac ganglia (ganglia celiaca) — two ganglia (right and left).
  • Aortorenal ganglia (ganglia aortorenalia) — two ganglia.
  • Superior mesenteric ganglion (ganglion mesentericum superius) — an unpaired ganglion.
Along which blood vessels do the secondary plexuses from the celiac plexus spread?

Secondary plexuses originating from the celiac plexus are periarterial and spread along the blood vessels of the abdominal cavity. Specifically, they accompany:

  • Splenic artery (a. splenica) — forming the splenic plexus around it.
  • Gastroduodenal artery (a. gastroduodenalis) — contributing to the formation of pancreatic plexuses.
  • Pancreatic arteries — surrounded by the pancreatic plexus.
  • Suprarenal (adrenal) vessels — accompanied by the suprarenal plexus.
Is the solar plexus (plexus solaris) a synonym for the celiac plexus, and what does it contain?

Yes, the term "solar plexus" is an outdated synonym for the celiac plexus (plexus celiacus). It comprises:

  • Ganglia: celiac (ganglia celiaca), aortorenal (ganglia aortorenalia), and superior mesenteric (ganglion mesentericum superius).
  • Nerve fibers: branches of the greater and lesser thoracic splanchnic nerves (nn. splanchnici thoracici major et minor), carrying preganglionic sympathetic fibers, as well as branches of the vagus nerve (n. vagus).
Where exactly is the celiac plexus located?

It is located on either side of the base of the celiac trunk (truncus celiacus), lateral to the aorta, near the adrenal glands.

Which nerve fibers pass through the abdominal autonomic plexuses to the organs?

They transmit sympathetic postganglionic fibers, parasympathetic preganglionic fibers, and sensory fibers.

What plexuses are connected to the celiac plexus?

Superiorly, it connects with the thoracic aortic plexus (plexus aorticus thoracicus), and inferiorly with the superior mesenteric plexus (plexus mesentericus superior).

What is the role of the secondary plexuses?

Secondary plexuses branching from the celiac plexus accompany blood vessels and directly innervate the abdominal organs.

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