aortic plexus

aortic plexus

n.

1. A plexus of lymph nodes and connecting vessels lying along the lower portion of the abdominal aorta.

2. An autonomic plexus surrounding the abdominal aorta and continuous with the thoracic aortic plexus; abdominal aortic plexus.

3. An autonomic plexus surrounding the thoracic aorta and passing with it through the aortic opening in the diaphragm to become continuous with the abdominal aortic plexus; thoracic aortic plexus.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.