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 nerve plexus, complex network of nerves located in the abdomen, near where the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and renal arteries branch fro ...

, receiving a branch from the junction of the right

vagus nerve The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve (CN X), plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating involuntary functions within the human body. This nerve carries both sensory and motor fibe ...

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 In human anatomy, the mesentery is an Organ (anatomy), organ that attaches the intestines to the posterior abdominal wall, consisting of a double fold of the peritoneum. It helps (among other functions) in storing Adipose tissue, fat and allowi ...

, 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 (plural pancreases, or pancreata) is an Organ (anatomy), organ of the Digestion, digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. In humans, it is located in the abdominal cavity, abdomen behind the stomach and functions as a ...

; intestinal branches to the

small intestine The small intestine or small bowel is an organ (anatomy), organ in the human gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal tract where most of the #Absorption, absorption of nutrients from food takes place. It lies between the stomach and large intes ...

; and 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

is the superior mesenteric ganglion.

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.

References

External links

* Nerve plexus Nerves of the torso {{Neuroanatomy-stub

Additional images

See also

References

External links