Superior mesenteric plexus
Plexus mesentericus superior
NervousNervesAbdomen
- What it is
- A continuation of the celiac plexus that surrounds the superior mesenteric artery like a sleeve, with a small superior mesenteric ganglion at the artery's origin; its fibres follow the arterial branches into the mesentery.
- Function
- Autonomic supply to the small intestine, caecum, appendix, ascending and most of the transverse colon (midgut): sympathetic fibres slow peristalsis and narrow vessels, vagal fibres stimulate secretion and motility.
- Size
- Sleeve ~1 cm wide along 5-10 cm of the artery
- Clinical note
- Midgut pain from these fibres is felt around the umbilicus, which is why appendicitis begins as vague central abdominal pain before settling in the right lower quadrant.