Splanchnic nerves are a group of nerves that connect the spinal cord to the organs of the abdomen. The term is spelled using the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription system as /ˈsplæŋknɪk nɜrvz/. The "splanchnic" part is pronounced with a /spl/ consonant cluster followed by the /æŋ/ diphthong and the /k/ sound. The "nerves" part is spelled with a /nɜrvz/ ending, which is pronounced with a stressed /n/ sound followed by a vowel and a consonant cluster.
Splanchnic nerves are a group of nerves that originate from the spinal cord, specifically the thoracic and lumbar regions. These nerves innervate the organs and blood vessels located in the abdominal cavity, which are collectively referred to as the splanchnic organs.
The splanchnic nerves are involved in the autonomic nervous system, which regulates the involuntary functions of the body. They are part of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for the "fight or flight" response. These nerves transmit information from the central nervous system to the splanchnic organs, coordinating various physiological processes such as digestion, blood flow regulation, and hormone release.
There are different types of splanchnic nerves, including the greater, lesser, and least splanchnic nerves. Each type originates from different levels of the spinal cord and innervates specific organs. For example, the greater splanchnic nerve innervates the stomach, while the lesser splanchnic nerve innervates the kidney.
Damage or dysfunction of the splanchnic nerves can result in various medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal disorders, disrupted blood flow to the abdominal organs, or hormonal imbalances. In some cases, surgical interventions may involve the manipulation or severing of these nerves to treat certain conditions.
Overall, the splanchnic nerves play a crucial role in maintaining the proper functioning of the abdominal organs and coordinating the autonomic responses necessary for optimal physiological processes.
The word "splanchnic" originates from the Ancient Greek word "splagchnon", which refers to the internal organs.