A bundle of intersecting nerves is one pop in of plexus
A plexus is a bundle of intersectingnerves.
The term is also used to describe similar groups of blood vessels orlymphatic vesselsin the body.
Nerve plexuses originate from the same anatomical area and serve specific areas of the body.
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They also send messages from the brain to the muscles, allowing for movement to occur.
This article specifically focuses on the locations of plexus nerves and their specific functions.
It also explores the diagnosis and treatment of plexus injuries.
Nerve Plexus Locations
Nerve bundles forming a plexus are also located throughout your body.
There are two major groups of nerve plexuses: thespinal plexusand theautonomic plexus.
There are five distinct plexuses in each.
They are named based on the location or function of the plexus.
Spinal Plexus
Five plexuses originate from the spinal cord in your body.
These include the cervical, brachial, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses.
It supplies nerves for the back of your head and the upper cervical muscles.
Brachial plexus:Thebrachial plexusoriginates from cervical levels five through eight and thoracic level one.
This plexus of nerves serves your chest, shoulder, and arms.
Themedian,ulnar, andradial nervesthe three major nerves of your armoriginate from the brachial plexus.
Two major nerves originate via the lumbar plexusthefemoral nerveand theobturator nerve.
Branches of the lumbar plexus also serve areas of your pelvic girdle and genital area.
Sacral plexus:Thesacral plexusoriginates from lumbar level four through sacral level four.
Other nerves that originate from the sacral plexus run to yourglutealand piriformis muscles of your hips.
Coccygeal plexus:This plexus serves a small area near your tailbone.
Auerbach’s plexus:This plexus serves your gut and functions as part of your digestive system.
This plexus of nerves aids in the swallowing mechanism.
Cardiac plexus:The cardiac plexus provides nerves to your heart muscle.
Falls, motor vehicle crashes, and knife and gunshot wounds can injury the brachial plexus.
One example of a brachial plexus injury is a “stinger.”
Symptoms include mild tingling and burning pain in your neck, shoulder, and arm.
Usually these last for a few seconds and then quickly subside.
During an EMG test, small needles are placed along your arm.
Then, tiny electrical signals are passed between the needles.
The speed at which those signals travel the nerves is measured and compared to accepted normal values.
A slowing of the electrical signal indicates that a specific nerve is damaged.
Once that nerve is identified, the appropriate treatment can be determined.
Nerve Plexus Treatment
A minor injury to a plexus may not require treatment at all.
Symptoms tend to be mild and temporary, and usually go away within weeks or months.
Some plexus injuries may require more intensive treatments.
Treatment for a ruptured nerve may involve surgery to repair the damage.
After a nerve plexus injury, you may benefit from working with aphysical therapistor occupational therapist.
They can assess your condition and prescribe specific treatments to maintain muscle function and jointrange of motion.
Summary
Your body consists of a complex series of muscles, bones, tendons, and nerves.
When nerves exit your spinal canal, they are sorted and organized in a plexus.
A plexus injury may cause numbness, tingling, or loss of movement.
Severe plexus injuries may require the care of a qualified healthcare provider to help you fully recover.
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American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Brachial plexus injuries.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Brachial plexus surgery.
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