plexus sacralis

9.9

A network of nerves in the lower back and pelvis that controls feeling and movement in legs and pelvic area

noun
/ˈplɛksəs ˈseɪkrəlɪs/

Specialized

: plexo sacral

The plexus sacralis is essential for motor and sensory function in the pelvic region.

Examples

Damage to the plexus sacralis can result in loss of sensation in the lower limbs.
Surgical procedures near the pelvis must avoid injuring the plexus sacralis to prevent complications.
The plexus sacralis is crucial for leg movement.
Doctors study the plexus sacralis to understand nerve functions.
Damage to the plexus sacralis can result in loss of sensation in the lower limbs.
Surgical procedures near the pelvis must avoid injuring the plexus sacralis to prevent complications.
The plexus sacralis is essential for motor and sensory function in the pelvic region.

Synonyms

sacral plexus

vsplexus sacralis

Specialized

1 7.4

A group of nerves near the lower back that send messages to the hips and legs

is the same meaning but differs only in word order or phrasing

Surface Forms

plexus sacralis singular

plexus sacralis plural

Morphology

plexus + sacralis

The phrase is compositional: 'plexus' (an interconnected network of nerves or vessels) combined with 'sacralis' (Latin-derived adjective meaning 'of or relating to the sacrum/sacral region') yields a plexus located in the sacral/pelvic area. Although technical and likely unfamiliar to general B1 learners, the meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and mirrors cross-linguistic medical terminology, so a learner who knows both parts would understand it.

Etymology

The noun plexus sacralis comes from Latin words: plexus meaning 'braid' and sacralis meaning 'of the sacrum', the bone at the base of the spine. Imagine a braided bunch of nerves at the lower back spreading into the pelvis and legs, so the name refers to the nerve network that gives feeling and movement to that area.