cervical plexus (redirected from plexus cervicalis)

plexus /plex·us/ (plek´sus) pl. plex´us, plexuses   [L.] a network or tangle, chiefly of vessels or nerves.plex´al

---

aortic plexus, abdominal  one composed of fibers that arise from the celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses and descend along the aorta. Receiving branches from the lumbar splanchnic nerves, it becomes the superior hypogastric plexus below the bifurcation of the aorta. Branches are distributed along the adjacent branches of the aorta.

aortic plexus, thoracic  one around the thoracic aorta formed by filaments from the sympathetic trunks and vagus nerves, and from which fine twigs accompany branches of the aorta; continuous below with the celiac plexus and the abdominal aortic plexus.

autonomic plexus  any of the extensive networks of nerve fibers and cell bodies associated with the autonomic nervous system; found particularly in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, and containing sympathetic, parasympathetic, and visceral afferent fibers.

Batson's plexus  the vertebral plexus (1) considered as a whole system.

brachial plexus  a nerve plexus originating from the anterior branches of the last four cervical and the first thoracic spinal nerves, giving off many of the principal nerves of the shoulder, chest, and arms.

Brachial plexus. Anterior view, showing the most major branches.

cardiac plexus  the plexus around the base of the heart, chiefly in the epicardium, formed by cardiac branches from the vagus nerves and the sympathetic trunks and ganglia.

carotid plexus  any of three nerve plexuses surrounding the common, external, and internal carotid arteries, particularly the last.

cavernous plexus  a plexus of sympathetic nerve fibers related to the cavernous sinus of the dura mater.

celiac plexus 

1. a network of ganglia and nerves lying in front of the aorta behind the stomach, supplying the abdominal viscera.

2. a network of lymphatic vessels, the superior mesenteric lymph nodes, and the celiac lymph nodes.

cervical plexus  a nerve plexus formed by the anterior branches of the first four cervical nerves, supplying structures in the neck region.

choroid plexuses  infoldings of blood vessels of the pia mater covered by a thin coat of ependymal cells that form tufted projections into the third, fourth, and lateral ventricles of the brain; they secrete the cerebrospinal fluid.

coccygeal plexus  a nerve plexus formed by the anterior branches of the coccygeal and fifth sacral nerves and by a communication from the fourth sacral nerve, giving off the anococcygeal nerve.

cystic plexus  a nerve plexus near the gallbladder.

dental plexus  either of two plexuses (inferior and superior) of nerve fibers, one from the inferior alveolar nerve situated around the roots of the lower teeth, and the other from the superior alveolar nerve situated around the roots of the upper teeth.

enteric plexus  a plexus of autonomic nerve fibers within the wall of the digestive tube, made up of the submucosal, myenteric, and subserosal plexuses.

esophageal plexus  a plexus surrounding the esophagus, formed by branches of the left and right vagi and sympathetic trunks and containing also visceral afferent fibers from the esophagus.

Exner's plexus  superficial tangential fibers in the molecular layer of the cerebral cortex.

gastric plexuses  subdivisions of the celiac portions of the prevertebral plexuses, accompanying the gastric arteries and branches and supplying nerve fibers to the stomach.

Heller's plexus  an arterial network in the submucosa of the intestine.

hemorrhoidal plexus  rectal p.

hypogastric plexus, inferior  the plexus formed on each side anterior to the lower part of the sacrum, formed by the junction of the hypogastric and pelvic splanchnic nerves; branches are given off to the pelvic organs.

hypogastric plexus, superior  the downward continuation of the abdominal aortic plexus; it lies in front of the upper part of the sacrum, just below the bifurcation of the aorta, receives fibers from the lower lumbar splanchnic nerves, and divides into right and left hypogastric nerves.

lumbar plexus 

1. one formed by the anterior branches of the second to fifth lumbar nerves in the psoas major muscle (the branches of the first lumbar nerve often are included).

2. a lymphatic plexus in the lumbar region.

Lumbar plexus, in yellow, in anterior (A) and lateral (B) views, with the divisions forming the lumbosacral trunk shown in white, as is the sacral plexus.

lumbosacral plexus  the lumbar and sacral plexuses considered together, because of their continuous nature.

Meissner's plexus  submucosal p.

mesenteric plexus, inferior  a subdivision of the abdominal aortic plexus accompanying the inferior mesenteric artery.

mesenteric plexus, superior  a subdivision of the celiac plexus accompanying the superior mesenteric artery.

myenteric plexus  that part of the enteric plexus within the tunica muscularis.

pampiniform plexus 

1. a plexus of veins from the testicle and epididymis, constituting part of the spermatic cord.

2. a plexus of ovarian veins in the broad ligament.

pelvic plexus  inferior hypogastric p.

pharyngeal plexus 

1. a venous plexus posterolateral to the pharynx, formed by the pharyngeal veins, communicating with the pterygoid venous plexus, and draining into the internal jugular vein.

2. one formed chiefly by fibers from branches of the vagus nerves, but also by fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerves and sympathetic trunks, and supplying most of the muscles and mucosa of the pharynx and soft palate.

phrenic plexus  a nerve plexus accompanying the inferior phrenic artery to the diaphragm and adrenal glands.

prevertebral plexuses  autonomic nerve plexuses situated in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis, anterior to the vertebral column; they consist of visceral afferent fibers, preganglionic parasympathetic fibers, preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic fibers, and ganglia containing sympathetic ganglion cells, and they give rise to postganglionic fibers.

prostatic plexus 

1. a subdivision of the inferior hypogastric plexus that supplies nerve fibers to the prostate and adjacent organs.

2. a venous plexus around the prostate gland, receiving the deep dorsal vein of the penis and draining through the vesical plexus and the prostatic veins.

pterygoid plexus  a network of veins corresponding to the second and third parts of the maxillary artery; situated on the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles and draining into the facial vein.

pulmonary plexus  one formed by several strong trunks of the vagus nerve that are joined at the root of the lung by branches from the sympathetic trunk and cardiac plexus; it is often divided into anterior and posterior parts.

rectal plexus 

1. a venous plexus that surrounds the lower part of the rectum and drains into the rectal veins.

2. any of the rectal nerve plexuses (inferior, middle, or superior).

rectal plexus, external  inferior rectal p. (1).

rectal plexus, inferior 

1. the subcutaneous portion of the rectal venous plexus, below the pectinate line.

2. a nerve plexus accompanying the inferior rectal artery, derived chiefly from the inferior rectal nerve.

rectal plexus, internal  superior rectal p. (1).

rectal plexus, middle  a subdivision of the inferior hypogastric plexus, in proximity with and supplying nerve fibers to the rectum.

rectal plexus, superior 

1. the submucosal portion of the rectal venous plexus, above the pectinate line.

2. a nerve plexus accompanying the superior rectal artery to the rectum, derived from the inferior mesenteric and hypogastric plexuses.

sacral plexus 

1. one arising from the anterior branches of the last two lumbar and the first four sacral nerves.

Plexus sacralis (sacral plexus), in yellow, in anterior (A) and lateral (B) views. The lumbar plexus is shown in white.

2. a venous plexus on the pelvic surface of the sacrum, receiving the sacral intervertebral veins.

solar plexus  celiac p. (1).

submucosal plexus  the part of the enteric plexus that is situated in the submucosa.

subserosal plexus  the part of the enteric plexus situated deep to the serosal surface of the tunica serosa.

tympanic plexus  a network of nerve fibers supplying the mucous lining of the tympanum, mastoid air cells, and pharyngotympanic tube.

uterine plexus 

1. the part of the uterovaginal plexus that supplies nerve fibers to the cervix and lower part of the uterus.

2. the venous plexus around the uterus, draining into the internal iliac veins by way of the uterine veins.

uterovaginal plexus 

1. the subdivision of the inferior hypogastric plexus that supplies nerve fibers to the uterus, ovary, vagina, urethra, and erectile tissue of the vestibule.

2. the uterine and vaginal venous plexuses considered together.

vaginal plexus 

1. the part of the uterovaginal plexus that supplies nerve fibers to the walls of the vagina.

2. a venous plexus in the walls of the vagina, which drains into the internal iliac veins by way of the internal pudendal veins.

vascular plexus 

1. a network of intercommunicating blood vessels.

2. a plexus of peripheral nerves through which blood vessels receive innervation.

venous plexus  a network of interconnecting veins.

vertebral plexus 

1. a plexus of veins related to the vertebral column.

2. a nerve plexus accompanying the vertebral artery, carrying sympathetic fibers to the posterior cranial fossa via cranial nerves.

vesical plexus 

1. the subdivision of the inferior hypogastric plexus that supplies sympathetic nerve fibers to the urinary bladder and parts of the ureter, ductus deferens, and seminal vesicle.

2. a venous plexus surrounding the upper part of the urethra and the neck of the bladder, communicating with the vaginal plexus in the female and with the prostatic plexus in the male.

---

cervical plexus

n.

A plexus that lies beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscle, is formed by loops joining the anterior branches of the first four cervical nerves, receives communicating branches from the superior cervical ganglion, and sends out many cutaneous, muscular, and communicating branches.

---

cervical plexus,

the network of nerves formed by the ventral primary divisions of the first four cervical nerves. Each nerve, except the first, divides into the superior branch and the inferior branch, and both branches unite to form three loops. The plexus is located opposite the cranial aspect of the first four cervical vertebrae. It communicates with certain cranial nerves and numerous muscular and cutaneous branches.

Cervical plexus

---

cervical

pertaining to the neck or to the cervix.

---

cervical ankylosis

ankylosis of the intervertebral joints. See also hypervitaminosis A.

cervical aplasia

segmental aplasia of the genital tract may be manifested by the absence or deformity of the cervix. Infertility is absolute. Diagnosis in large animals can be performed by rectal palpation; small animals may require surgical exploration.

cervical cirrhosis

caused by severe laceration at parturition; a rare cause of dystocia.

cervical curve

one of the vertebral curves of the body.

cervical dislocation

satisfactory method of euthanasia for laboratory mice, immature rats and poultry. Must be performed by an experienced person in order to achieve rapid and humane death.

cervical fixation

suturing of the cervix through the vaginal floor to the prepubic tendon. Used in the treatment of vaginal prolapse in cows.

cervical incompetence

damage to the cervix during parturition in the mare may cause its deformity and render it incapable of effectively closing off the uterus from the vagina. Infection of the uterus and infertility result.

incomplete cervical dilation

incomplete dilation of the cervix during parturition in adult cows, less commonly in heifers, may necessitate obstetrical, even cesarean, assistance; thought to be hormonal. See also ringwomb in ewes.

cervical inflammation

see cervicitis.

cervical instability, cervical malformation, cervical malarticulation

see canine wobbler syndrome.

cervical line lesions

of the tooth neck characterized by progressive, subgingival, osteoclastic resorption. These occur commonly in cats. See odontoclastic resorption.

cervical lymphadenitis

infection with abscessation of cervical lymph nodes in guinea pigs; usually caused by Streptococcus zooepidemicus.

cervical massage

suitable for use only in cows. The fetus is pulled up into the cervix and light traction maintained while a well-lubricated hand is pushed gently between the cervix and the fetus. This is done repeatedly and continued if there is no evidence of trauma. The cervix may dilate sufficiently to allow normal delivery of the calf.

cervical mucus

from the cervix. Its presence in liberal amounts is used as an indication of estrus.

cervical paralysis

inability to lift the head, usually accompanied by paralysis of all four limbs.

cervical plexus

see cervical plexus.

cervical rib

a supernumerary rib arising from a cervical vertebra.

cervical spinal cord lesion

includes fracture-dislocation, cervical vertebral abscess, compression due to exostosis, spinal myelitis and myelacia, congenital lesions including spinal canal stenosis.

cervical spine

cervical vertebrae.

cervical spondylolisthesis, spondylopathy

see canine wobbler syndrome.

cervical spondylosis

see cervical ankylosis (above).

cervical static stenosis

one of the two syndromes listed under cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy; characterized by compression of the cord at C5 to C7 in large male horses 1-4 years of age; the position of the neck is immaterial; the resulting syndrome is characterized by an insidious onset of ataxia. See also enzootic equine incoordination.

cervical stenotic myelopathy

focal myelopathy caused by compression of the spinal cord by excessive flexion of the neck in patients, especially dogs, in which there is a pre-existing narrowing of one of the two vertebral foramina in one or more vertebrae, especially cervical vertebrae. See also degenerative myeloencephalopathy.

cervical swab

swab of the os cervix for bacterial and virological examination for pathogens likely to affect fertility adversely. Used in fertility examination of cases of prolonged infertility in ruminants. See also uterine swab.

cervical syndrome

clinical signs caused by a lesion of the spinal cord between C1 and C5. They include tetraparesis to tetraplegia or hemiparesis to hemiplegia, hyperreflexia, hypertonia, depressed postural responses and sometimes cervical pain.

cervical trauma

most common are lacerations during parturition; resulting adhesions and fibrosis may cause subsequent dystocia.

cervical vertebrae

the skeleton of the neck, in most mammals comprising seven vertebrae, in birds up to 25.

cervical vertebra fracture

in horses occurs as a result of head-on collisions at speed; causes recumbency and inability to move limbs voluntarily, but there is full consciousness and patient can eat and drink if assisted.

cervical vertebral malformation malarticulation syndrome

see wobbler syndrome

cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy

one of the causes of incoordination in young horses. See also enzootic equine incoordination.

---

plexus

pl. plexus, plexuses [L.] a network or tangle, chiefly of veins or nerves.

---

brachial plexus

see brachial plexus.

cardiac plexus

the plexus around the base of the heart, chiefly in the epicardium, formed by cardiac branches from the vagus nerves and the sympathetic trunks and ganglia, and made up of sympathetic, parasympathetic and visceral afferent fibers that innervate the heart.

carotid p's

nerve plexuses surrounding the common, external and internal carotid arteries.

celiac plexus

a plexus of autonomic fibers and sympathetic nerve ganglia which surround the origin of the celiac artery, and supply the abdominal viscera.

celiacomesenteric plexus

a plexus of autonomic nerve fibers and sympathetic ganglia around the origin of the celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries; called also solar plexus.

cervical plexus

a network of nerve fibers formed by the first four cervical nerves and supplying the structures in the region of the neck.

choroid plexus

infoldings of blood vessels of the pia mater covered by a thin coat of ependymal cells that form tufted projections into the third, fourth, and lateral ventricles of the brain; they secrete the cerebrospinal fluid.

coccygeal plexus

a nerve plexus formed by the ventral branches of the coccygeal and last sacral nerves.

coronary plexus

a venous plexus within the coronet of the hoof.

cutaneous p's

superficial, middle and deep, inter-communicating plexuses of blood vessels are identified as supplying blood to haired skin.

cystic plexus

a nerve plexus near the gallbladder.

dental plexus

either of two plexuses (inferior and superior) of nerve fibers, one from the inferior alveolar nerve, situated around the roots of the lower teeth, and the other from the superior alveolar nerve, situated around the roots of the upper teeth.

gonadal plexus

the collection of parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves to the gonads.

hoof plexus

plexus of veins draining the hoof region in the horse.

lumbar plexus

see lumbar plexus.

lumbosacral plexus

see lumbosacral plexus.

mesenteric plexus

parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve supply to the abdominal organs.

myenteric plexus

see auerbach plexus.

nerve plexus

a plexus composed of intermingled nerve fibers.

pampiniform plexus

1. a plexus of veins from the testis and the epididymis, constituting part of the spermatic cord.

2. a plexus of ovarian veins in the broad ligament of the uterus.

parametrial plexus

the venous plexus within the broad ligament providing venous drainage to the uterus and vagina.

plexus papilloma

see plexus papilloma.

pulmonary plexus

the array of autonomic nerves which supply the lungs.

renal plexus

autonomic nerve supply to the kidney.

sacral plexus

a plexus arising from the ventral branches of the last few lumbar and first few sacral spinal nerves.

solar plexus

see celiacomesenteric plexus (above).

tympanic plexus

a network of nerve fibers supplying the mucous lining of the tympanum and auditory tube.