AORTIC PLEXUS 101
“Understanding the Aortic Plexus: Structure, Functions, and Importance”
Hello Readers! 👋🏻
What if a tiny network of nerves controlled our digestive, urinary and reproductive system? Welcome to the fascinating world of the Aortic Plexus, a complex network of nerves arising from the abdominal aortic plexus It is placed above the Pelvic Plexus (Mooladhara Chakra), above the sacrum bone, upon the sides and front of the aorta, and between the origins of the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries.
The Aorti Plexus, Swadhisthana Chakra in Sanskrit, is the second plexus in our subtle system. The word Swadhisthana means “Where our being is Established. " Swa means Self, and adhishthana means Established.
Our Aortic Plexus is governed by ***Shri Bhramadeva Saraswati***
The Aortic Plexus has SIX subplexus(petals).
The Aortic Plexus controls the Liver, Kidney, Spleen, Endocrine Pancreas, Ovaries and Testis.
Its principal operations are:-
- Detoxification of Blood
- Provision and regulation of metabolic energy
- Glucose Metabolism
- Bile Production
- Production of egg and sperm
- Helps in Learning
- Develop Aesthetics
- Increase concentration span
- Develops Creativity
🌼1st Subplexus; Petal controls the Uterus and Spermatic functions— The ovaries for creating eggs in women and the Seminal Vesicle for creating sperm in males.
(i) Ovaries — Egg Reservoirs or The Hormonal Powerhouses
Ovaries are the female reproductive glands. They are located on either side of the uterus in the lower abdomen. The ovaries play a crucial role in both reproduction and hormone production.
#Functions of Ovaries:
✔️Egg Production: Ovaries produce and store eggs, also known as ova. Each month, one ovary releases a mature egg during ovulation. This egg travels down the fallopian tube, where it may be fertilized by sperm.
✔️Hormone Production: Ovaries produce the primary female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. These hormones are responsible for:
1. Development of female secondary sex characteristics: like breasts, wider hips, and body hair distribution.
2. Regulation of the menstrual cycle.
3. Preparation of the uterus for pregnancy.
4. Development of female reproductive organs.
#Common Ovary-Related Conditions:
👉🏼Ovarian Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that form on the ovary.
👉🏼Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder that affects ovulation, leading to irregular periods, excess hair growth(mostly facial), abnormal weight gain and acne.
👉🏼Ovarian Cancer
👉🏼Primary Ovarian Insufficiency: Early menopause(normally menopause is after 49 years of age) due to the ovaries' inability to function properly.
#Symptoms of Ovarian Diseases:
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Pain during sex
- Back pain
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight gain or loss
(ii) Seminal Vesicles — The Seminal Fluid Factories
Seminal Vesicles are a pair of glands located in the male pelvis, behind the bladder and in front of the rectum.
#Functions of Seminal Vesicles:
✔️Semen Production: They secrete a fluid that contains fructose, a sugar that provides energy for sperm, as well as other nutrients and proteins. This fluid makes up about 70% of the total volume of semen. The fluid produced by the seminal vesicles is essential for sperm motility and viability, which are crucial for fertilization.
✔️Sperm Transport: During ejaculation, the smooth muscle in the walls of the seminal vesicles contracts, propelling the semen into the ejaculatory ducts and then into the urethra.
✔️Neutralizing Urethra: The alkaline fluid from the seminal vesicles helps neutralize the acidic environment of the urethra, creating a more favourable environment for sperm survival.
#Potential Issues:
👉🏼Seminal Vesiculitis: Inflammation of the seminal vesicles, often caused by bacterial infection, can lead to pain, difficulty ejaculating, and blood in semen.
👉🏼Seminal Vesicle Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs: These cysts can form within the seminal vesicles and may cause pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. It can be congenital or acquired (Cysts can be present from birth or develop later in life).
👉🏼Seminal Vesicle Stones
👉🏼Seminal Vesicle Cancer
🌼2nd Subplexus; Petal controls Left Colic Flexure and the Descending Colon.
The Left Colic Flexure, also known as the Splenic Flexure, is the sharp bend in the large intestine where the transverse colon transitions into the descending colon. It’s located in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, close to the spleen. It plays a crucial role in the overall function of the large intestine.
1. Facilitates the Change in Direction: The sharp bend at the left colic flexure allows the large intestine to transition smoothly from the horizontal transverse colon to the vertical descending colon. This change in direction is essential for the efficient movement of waste products through the digestive system.
2. Supports the Spleen: The phrenicocolic ligament, which attaches the left colic flexure to the diaphragm, helps to support the spleen in its position.
The Descending Colon is the part of the large intestine that extends downward from the left colic flexure to the sigmoid colon. It’s located on the left side of our abdomen.
#Functions:
✔️Storage: The primary function of the descending colon is to store stool that has been formed in the ascending colon.
✔️Absorption: It continues the process of absorbing water and electrolytes from the remaining waste material.
✔️Movement: Peristalsis, the rhythmic contractions of the colon’s muscles, propels the stool towards the rectum for elimination.
#Conditions affecting Left Colic Flexure and Descending Colon
👉🏼Spleenic Flexuse Syndrome: The left colic flexure is a common site for gas accumulation, which can lead to discomfort and pain in the upper left abdomen.
👉🏼Diverticulitis: This condition involves inflammation of small pouches (diverticula) that can form in the colon wall, including the left colic flexure.
👉🏼Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): The left colic flexure can be a site of increased sensitivity and discomfort in individuals with IBS.
Colon Cancer.
🌼3rd Subplexus; Petal controls Sigmoid Colon — Lower part for excretion, Kidney and Urinary Bladder.
(i) Sigmoid Colon
The Sigmoid Colon is the final part of the large intestine, connecting the descending colon to the rectum.
#The sigmoid colon serves two primary functions:
✔️Storage: It acts as a reservoir for stool, storing it until it’s ready to be expelled from the body.
✔️Peristalsis: It uses rhythmic muscle contractions (peristalsis) to move the stool into the rectum, preparing for bowel movement.
#The sigmoid colon is susceptible to several diseases, including:
👉🏼Diverticular Disease: This is the most common condition affecting the sigmoid colon. It involves the formation of small pouches (diverticula) in the colon wall.
👉🏼Colorectal Cancer: The sigmoid colon is a common site for colorectal cancer.
👉🏼Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease can affect the sigmoid colon, causing inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the intestine.
👉🏼Volvulus: This is a rare condition where the sigmoid colon twists around itself, obstructing the passage of stool
👉🏼Polyps: These are growths on the lining of the colon, some of which can become cancerous.
(ii) Kidney and Urinary Bladder
The Kidneys are a pair of organs that filter blood, remove waste, and regulate the body’s chemicals and water levels. They are located at the back of the body, on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage.
#Functions of the Kidneys:
✔️Filtering Blood: The kidneys filter your blood to remove waste products and excess fluids. These waste products are then excreted from your body as urine.
✔️Maintaining Fluid Balance: The kidneys help regulate the amount of water in your body by adjusting the amount of water that is excreted in urine.
✔️Regulating Electrolyte Levels: The kidneys help maintain the proper balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, in your blood.
✔️Controlling Blood Pressure: The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by producing hormones that control blood volume and blood vessel constriction.
✔️Producing Hormones: The kidneys produce several important hormones, including erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production and renin, which helps regulate blood pressure.
✔️Activating Vitamin D: The kidneys convert vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone health.
#Conditions Affecting the Kidneys:
👉🏼Kidney Stones: These are hard, crystalline masses that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when they pass through the urinary tract.
👉🏼Kidney Infection: This occurs when bacteria infect the kidneys, causing pain, fever, and difficulty urinating.
👉🏼Kidney Disease: This is a general term for a variety of conditions that damage the kidneys and reduce their ability to function properly.
👉🏼Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): This is a sudden loss of kidney function, often caused by severe illness or injury.
👉🏼Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): This is a progressive loss of kidney function over time, often caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions.
The Urinary Bladder is a hollow, muscular organ located in the pelvis. Its primary functions are:
✔️Storage: The bladder stores urine produced by the kidneys until it’s ready to be expelled from the body. It can hold a significant amount of urine, typically around 400-600 millilitres, but can expand to hold more.
✔️Excretion: When the bladder is full, it contracts, and the sphincter muscles relax, allowing urine to flow out of the body through the urethra. This process is known as micturition or urination.
#Conditions Affecting the Urinary Bladder:
👉🏼Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): These are common infections that can affect any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain during urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.
👉🏼Overactive Bladder (OAB): This condition causes a frequent and urgent need to urinate, often leading to accidents.
👉🏼Urinary Incontinence: This refers to the inability to control bladder function, resulting in accidental leakage of urine.
👉🏼Bladder Cancer: This is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the bladder. Symptoms may include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination.
👉🏼Interstitial Cystitis (IC): This chronic bladder condition causes pelvic pain and frequent urination.: This refers to the inability to control bladder function, resulting in accidental urine leakage.
👉🏼Bladder Stones
**Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Aortic Plexus, its disorders and their root causes.**
(https://angeljahanvi007.medium.com/aortic-plexus-explained-9f7d9c6b9724)
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