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Glite Dictionary
nerve plexus

nerve plexus

7.5
A network of nerves that control movement and feeling in a body area
  • noun
  • /nɜrv ˈplɛksəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plexo nervioso
  • The doctor explained how the nerve plexus in the arm controls movement and sensation.

Examples

  • The cauda equina nerve plexus lies at the end of the spinal cord in the lumbar region.

    Academic text (2005)

  • Manifesting in different ways, it is as if the actual nerve plexus itself is in a state of shock.

    Blog text (22)

  • In anatomy class, we studied the nerve plexus that innervates the lower limbs.

  • Damage to the nerve plexus can result in pain and loss of function in the affected area.

Synonyms

plexus
vsnerve plexus
  • Specialized
9 8.4

A network of nerves and vessels that carry blood or lymph in the body

is narrower and refers only to networks of neural tissue in the peripheral body

How Complex

nervous system
  • Specialized
81 2.8
nerve plexus
  • Specialized
7.5
nerve
  • Specialized
367 3.5
nerve fiber
  • Specialized
4 3.4

Surface Forms

nerve plexus singular
nerve plexuses plural

Morphology

nerve + plexus

The compound is a literal, compositional combination: 'nerve' (bundle of nerve fibers) plus 'plexus' (an interconnection or network) directly yields 'a network of nerves.' Although the term is technical/medical and may be unfamiliar in use, its meaning is transparently derivable from the constituents and mirrors similar constructions in other languages.

Etymology

Nerve plexus comes from the Latin word plexus, which means 'braid' or 'a woven shape', together with nerve for the body's nerves. Imagine many nerves crossing and twisting like a braid, and that's why nerve plexus means 'a network of joined nerves' that controls a part of the body.