The term "plexus gastricus" refers to a network of nerves located in the stomach. It is spelled "pleksuːs ɡæsˈtraɪkəs" in IPA phonetic transcription. The "pleksuːs" is pronounced as "PLEK-soos" while "ɡæsˈtraɪkəs" is pronounced as "gas-TRY-kuhs". The first word is derived from Latin and translates to "plexe" or "braid", while the second word refers to the stomach. Therefore, "plexus gastricus" represents a complex network of nerve fibers that function to regulate the digestive system.
The term "plexus gastricus" refers to a complex network of nerves located within the walls of the stomach. It is also commonly known as the gastric plexus. This intricate network of nerves is responsible for transmitting sensory and motor information throughout the stomach.
The plexus gastricus is made up of two main components: the submucosal plexus and the myenteric plexus. The submucosal plexus is located in the submucosal layer of the stomach, while the myenteric plexus is situated between the layers of smooth muscle in the muscularis externa.
The primary function of the plexus gastricus is to regulate the digestive processes that occur within the stomach. It plays a crucial role in coordinating the muscular contractions of the stomach, which aid in the mechanical breakdown of food and the mixing of gastric secretions. Additionally, the plexus gastricus controls the secretion of digestive enzymes, acids, and hormones that are essential for the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
Disruptions or abnormalities within the plexus gastricus can lead to various digestive disorders. For example, damage to the nerves in this plexus can result in gastroparesis, a condition characterized by delayed emptying of the stomach. Symptoms of gastroparesis may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.
In summary, the plexus gastricus is a complex network of nerves that facilitates the coordination of digestive processes within the stomach. Its proper functioning is essential for maintaining optimal digestion and overall gastrointestinal health.
Gastric plexus, one of two plexuses, anterior and posterior, formed by a continuation of the esophageal plexuses and containing the terminations of the vagus; they communicate with the abdominal sympathetic plexuses and send rami to most of the abdominal viscera.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "plexus gastricus" is a combination of two Latin terms: "plexus" and "gastricus".
1. "Plexus" comes from the Latin verb "plexus", which means "to twine" or "to interweave". It refers to a network of nerves or blood vessels that are intertwined or branching.
2. "Gastricus" comes from the Latin word "gaster" (genitive "gastris"), meaning "stomach".
Therefore, "plexus gastricus" refers to the network of nerves associated with the stomach.