mesenteric plexus

9.5

Nerves in the thin tissue that holds the intestines and help control digestion

noun
/ˌmɛsənˈtɛrɪk ˈplɛksəs/

Specialized

: plexo mesentérico

Damage to the mesenteric plexus can result in digestive disturbances and abdominal pain.

Examples

Researchers studied the role of the mesenteric plexus in regulating intestinal motility.
Surgeons need to understand the mesenteric plexus during abdominal surgeries.
A tumor pressing against the mesenteric plexus may cause severe discomfort.
The mesenteric plexus plays a crucial role in digestion.
Damage to the mesenteric plexus can result in digestive disturbances and abdominal pain.
Researchers studied the role of the mesenteric plexus in regulating intestinal motility.
A tumor pressing against the mesenteric plexus may cause severe discomfort.

Synonyms

plexus mesentericus

vsmesenteric plexus

Specialized

9.5

A network of nerves in the tissue that holds the intestines and sends messages to them

is focused on regulating intestinal functions rather than just supplying them

Surface Forms

mesenteric plexus singular

mesenteric plexuses plural

Morphology

mesenteric + plexus

The term is directly compositional: 'mesenteric' specifies location (related to the mesentery/intestinal support) and 'plexus' denotes a network of nerves/vessels, so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it means a network of nerves in the mesentery. Although the phrase is technical, the semantic combination is straightforward and mirrors equivalent constructions in other languages, making it transparent to someone familiar with the parts.

Etymology

The noun mesenteric plexus comes from mesenteric, meaning the tissue that holds the 'intestines', and plexus, meaning a braided 'net' of nerves. Imagine a small net of nerves in the tissue around the gut that controls movement and feeling, and that's why the term refers to the nerve system that helps the intestines work.