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Glite Dictionary
aortic plexus

aortic plexus

9.5
A group of nerves or small lymph nodes near the lower part of the main blood vessel in the abdomen
  • noun
  • /eɪˈɔrtɪk ˈplɛksəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : plexo aórtico
  • The surgeon carefully avoided damaging the aortic plexus during the procedure.

Examples

  • The aortic plexus is crucial for abdominal organ function.

  • Researchers are studying the role of the aortic plexus in autonomic function.

  • Enlargement of the aortic plexus can indicate certain medical conditions.

  • Surgeons must be careful around the aortic plexus during procedures.

  • The surgeon carefully avoided damaging the aortic plexus during the procedure.

  • Enlargement of the aortic plexus can indicate certain medical conditions.

  • Researchers are studying the role of the aortic plexus in autonomic function.

Surface Forms

aortic plexus singular
aortic plexuses plural

Morphology

aortic + plexus

The meaning is directly compositional: 'aortic' (= relating to the aorta) modifies 'plexus' (= a network of nerves/vessels), so the phrase denotes a network associated with the aorta. Although it's technical medical vocabulary, a learner who knows both constituent meanings can reliably infer this sense, so it is transparent.

Etymology

Aortic plexus: The medical name aortic plexus comes from the words aorta (the body's main artery) and plexus (a braid or net of nerves and nodes). Picture a braided net wrapped around the lower part of the belly's main artery, and you have the idea of 'a network of nerves or lymph nodes near the lower aorta'.