Splenic plexus

Plexus splenicus

  • Latin synonym: Plexus lienalis

Definition

Splenic plexus refers to a meshwork of autonomic neurons and ganglia situated around the splenic artery. It is considered to be an extension of the celiac prevertebral plexus. It spreads along the splenic vessels to innervate the splenic capsule and parenchyma.

The splenic plexus contains efferent sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons.

The sympathetic neurons are post-ganglionic that arise from the celiac ganglia and celiac plexus. While the parasympathetic neurons are pre-ganglionic that originate from the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and reach the celiac and splenic plexuses via the vagal trunks. The sympathetic innervation is the dominant innervation and causes vasoconstriction of the splenic vessels.

The autonomic neurons are also accompanied by visceral afferent neurons. These are sensory in nature and transmit pain sensation from the splenic capsule and parenchyma, such as, in case of splenomegaly, splenic inflammation and infection, embolic infarcts or abrupt capsular distension due to acute space occupying lesions, such as, hematoma.

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 70: Spleen’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 1191.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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