carotid plexus

8.6

A network of nerves around a main neck artery that helps control blood flow to the head and neck

noun
/kəˈrɒtɪd ˈplɛksəs/

Specialized

: plexo carotídeo

During the procedure, the surgeon carefully avoided the carotid plexus to prevent nerve damage.

Examples

Damage to the carotid plexus can result in various neurological symptoms.
The carotid plexus plays a crucial role in autonomic functions.
The carotid plexus plays a role in regulating blood flow to the brain.
Surgeons must be careful near the carotid plexus during operations.
Damage to the carotid plexus can result in various neurological symptoms.
During the procedure, the surgeon carefully avoided the carotid plexus to prevent nerve damage.
The carotid plexus plays a role in regulating blood flow to the brain.

Synonyms

plexus caroticus

vscarotid plexus

Specialized

9.9

A group of nerves around the main artery in the neck

focuses on its role supplying autonomic fibers to head and neck

Surface Forms

carotid plexus singular

carotid plexuses plural

Morphology

carotid + plexus

The term is a straightforward compositional medical compound: 'carotid' specifies the carotid artery and 'plexus' denotes a network of vessels or nerves, so the phrase literally denotes a network associated with the carotid. This follows regular noun phrase formation in English and is immediately interpretable by a learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

The term carotid plexus comes from its parts: carotid (the main artery in the neck) and plexus (a network). Picture a small net of nerves wrapped around that artery, sending signals that help control blood flow and other automatic functions in the head and neck.