lumbosacral plexus

1 8.1

A group of nerves in the lower back that give feeling and movement to hips, legs, and tailbone area

noun
/ˌlʌmboʊˈseɪkrəl ˈplɛksəs/

Specialized

: plexo lumbosacro

Damage to the lumbosacral plexus can lead to complications in the lower limbs.

Examples

Lumbosacral plexus injuries also usually occur.

Academic text (2006)
The neurosurgeon explained that the lumbosacral plexus is crucial for leg movement and sensation.
During the surgery, the doctors monitored the lumbosacral plexus to prevent nerve damage.

Surface Forms

lumbosacral plexus singular

lumbosacral plexuses plural

Morphology

lumbosacral + plexus

This is a compositional anatomical label: 'lumbosacral' names the lower spinal (lumbar + sacral) region and 'plexus' denotes a network of nerves/vessels, so the phrase literally means a nerve network in the lower spine. Although technical, the constituents combine predictably (and correspond to similar terms in other languages), so a learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Lumbosacral plexus comes from parts: lumbo meaning 'lower back', sacral meaning 'base of the spine', and plexus meaning a 'network' or 'braid' of nerves. Imagine a small braid of nerves at the base of the spine that sends messages to the hips and legs, so it is the nerve network that controls movement and feeling in the lower body.