This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Superficial cardiac plexus (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The superficial cardiac plexus is an anatomical division of the cardiac plexus; it is smaller than the more posterior deep cardiac plexus. Physiologically, the superficial and deep plexuses are in continuity via fine nerve fibres.

The superficial cardiac plexus is sited on the inferior surface of the arch of the aorta. It is contributed to by both post-ganglionic sympathetic and pre-ganglionic parasympathetic nerves:

  • left inferior cervical cardiac nerve, a branch of the left vagus nerve
  • left superior cervical sympathetic nerve derived from the left cervical sympathetic ganglia

These fibres pass inferiorly over the arch of the aorta before amassing inferior to it and slightly anteromedial to the ligamentum arteriosum within the ganglion of Wrisberg. At this point, the left phrenic nerve lies medially and the vagal nerve lies laterally. The pulmonary artery lies posteriorly.

The distribution of nerve fibres from the plexus to the heart is considered within the submenu.


Create an account to add page annotations

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.