Anatomy
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Nerve Plexus?

Donn Saylor
Donn Saylor

A nerve plexus is a system of connected nerve fibers that link spinal nerves with specific areas of the body. Fibers in a plexus connect the spinal cord and the body by grouping themselves into one larger nerve. The human body consists of several nerve plexuses, including the brachial plexus, the cervical plexus, the coccygeal plexus, the lumbar plexus, the sacral plexus, and the solar plexus.

The main function of a nerve plexus is to ensure that all areas of the body are innervated, thereby equipping each region with the ability to send and receive messages from the peripheral nervous system. The different plexuses are charged with innervating different portions of the body and help to control the functions unique to each portion. A nerve plexus is formed during development, when disparate muscles of the skeleton fuse together and result in large muscles requiring innervation.

Nerves act as a pathway for electrochemical impulses.
Nerves act as a pathway for electrochemical impulses.

The brachial nerve plexus supplies nerves to the arms, chest, hands, and shoulders. It runs from the spinal cord through the chest and shoulders before reaching the armpit; from there, it descends down the arm and into the hand. The brachial nerve is comprised of a series of branches, cords, divisions, roots, and trunks.

Areas of the head, neck, and shoulders are innervated by the cervical plexus. The cervical nerve plexus is primarily located in the neck, linking the spinal column with the rest of the head and down into the shoulder region. There are two types of branches in this plexus: cutaneous nerves, which provide innervation to the skin, and muscular nerves that provide sensation to and from the muscles.

The coccygeal nerve supplies nerves to a limited area near the coccyx bone. Rooted in this nerve is the anococcygeal nerve. This important nerve transmits sensation to and from the skin over the coccyx area.

Severe chronic lower back pain is frequently treated through a nerve block at the lumbar plexus.
Severe chronic lower back pain is frequently treated through a nerve block at the lumbar plexus.

The lumbar plexus is responsible for nerves in the abdomen, calves, back, knees, groin, and thighs. It contains several smaller nerve systems that handle such tasks as muscular contraction of the abdomen, the raising and lowering of testes in males, and the external rotation of the hip joint. The lumbar plexus is interwoven with the sacral plexus.

Some of the same areas are served by the sacral plexus, namely the calves and thighs. The sacral system also sends nerves to and from the buttocks, feet, and pelvis. One of the main responsibilities of this plexus is the transmission of sensory and motor stimuli from the spinal cord. Given its relationship with the lumbar plexus, both regions are sometimes lumped together under the term lumbosacral plexus.

The coccygeal nerve supplies nerves near the coccyx bone, which is also known as the tailbone.
The coccygeal nerve supplies nerves near the coccyx bone, which is also known as the tailbone.

One of the most important nerve plexuses in the body is the solar plexus, sometimes known as the celiac plexus. This region innervates the body's internal organs. A few of the areas served by the solar plexus include the stomach, pancreas, and specific areas of the heart.

Discussion Comments

SimpleByte

@Ceptorbi - I'm most familiar with the solar plexus. As a diabetic, I'm also aware that neuropathy can occur due to high blood sugar. This nerve disease can occur all over the body including the hands, legs, feet, gastrointestinal tract, and bladder. Symptoms can include numbness when it strikes the hands or feet and diarrhea or nausea when it affects the GI tract, and incontinence when it affects the urinary tract. While there are some medications designed to specifically treat neuropathy, in diabetics treatment for the condition also involves getting the blood sugar levels under control.

Ceptorbi

The nerve plexus most familiar to most people is the solar plexus or celiac plexus. A celiac plexus block is sometimes given to patients suffering from intense abdominal pain from pancreatitis, cancer, Chron's disease, or other chronic conditions. Pain relief from this treatment can last several months.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Nerves act as a pathway for electrochemical impulses.
      By: Sebastian Kaulitzki
      Nerves act as a pathway for electrochemical impulses.
    • Severe chronic lower back pain is frequently treated through a nerve block at the lumbar plexus.
      By: milan2099
      Severe chronic lower back pain is frequently treated through a nerve block at the lumbar plexus.
    • The coccygeal nerve supplies nerves near the coccyx bone, which is also known as the tailbone.
      By: photoBeard
      The coccygeal nerve supplies nerves near the coccyx bone, which is also known as the tailbone.
    • A gel pack may help numb pain caused by a damaged brachial plexus.
      By: JPC-PROD
      A gel pack may help numb pain caused by a damaged brachial plexus.
    • A nerve plexus links spinal nerves with specific areas of the body.
      By: Balint Radu
      A nerve plexus links spinal nerves with specific areas of the body.
    • The lumbar plexus is interwoven with the sacral plexus.
      By: stockshoppe
      The lumbar plexus is interwoven with the sacral plexus.
    • The lumbar plexus is responsible for nerves in the abdomen, groin and back.
      By: JackF
      The lumbar plexus is responsible for nerves in the abdomen, groin and back.