Solar plexus: Encyclopedia - Solar plexus

Solar plexus

The solar plexus, also known as the celiac plexus, plexus cœliacus or plexus solaris, is an autonomous cluster of nerve cells (see Plexus) in the human body behind the stomach and below the diaphragm near the celiac artery in the abdominal cavity. The solar plexus consists of two ganglia, called celiac ganglia, and a nerve network connecting the two ganglia. The solar plexus controls functions of the internal organs as for example adrenal secretion and the contraction in the intestines.

A blow to the stomach, halfway between the navel and the heart may also put pressure on this nerve cluster, creating great pain. The blow can cause a temporary paralysis of the diaphragm, resulting in difficulty in breathing - a sensation commonly known as having the "wind knocked out" of you.

Other similar nerve centres are the cardiac plexus near the heart, or the hypogastric plexus in front of the last lumbar vertebra.

The solar plexus is also considered an energy node according to Hinduism, called the manipura chakra.

Category: Nervous system

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Solar plexus", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki