| coeliac (lymphatic) plexus | A network formed of the efferent and afferent lymphatic vessels of the coeliac lymph nodes and related to the coeliac trunk; the afferent lymphatic vessels bring lymph primarily from structures served by the coeliac artery (stomach, duodenum, pancreas, and visceral aspect of the liver); the efferent vessels drain into the cisterna chyli/thoracic duct via the intestinal lymph trunks. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| coeliac lymph nodes | Nodes located along the coeliac trunk which drain lymph from the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, spleen, and biliary tract and drain to the cisterna chyli via the right and left intestinal lymphatic trunks. Synonym: nodi lymphatici coeliaci, coeliac glands. (05 Mar 2000) |
| coeliac (nervous) plexus | The most substantial, superior portion of the abdominal aortic plexus lying anterior to the aorta at the level of origin of the coeliac trunk (vertebral level T-12); the coeliac ganglia lie within the plexus; it is formed by contributions from the greater splanchnic and vagus (especially the posterior or right vagus) nerves and communicating branches to and from the superior mesenteric and renal plexuses and ganglia; most sympathetic, parasympathetic and visceral afferent fibres serving the abdominal viscera pass through this plexus. Synonym: plexus coeliacus, solar plexus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| coeliac plexus | A complex network of nerve fibres including sympathetic and parasympathetic efferents and visceral afferents. The coeliac plexus is the largest of the autonomic plexuses and is located in the abdomen surrounding the coeliac and superior mesenteric arteries. (12 Dec 1998) |
| coeliac plexus reflex | Arterial hypotension coincident with surgical manipulations in the upper abdomen during general anaesthesia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| coeliac rickets | Arrested growth, and osseous deformities associated with defective absorption of fat and calcium in coeliac disease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| coeliac syndrome | <disease, gastroenterology> Gluten enteropathy: atrophy of villi in small intestine leads to impaired absorption of nutrients. Caused by sensitivity to gluten (protein of wheat and rye). Sufferers have serum antibodies to gluten and show delayed hypersensitivity to gluten, the risk factor is ten times greater in HLA B8 positive individuals. (18 Nov 1997) |
| coeliac trunk | Origin, abdominal aorta just below diaphragm; branches, left gastric, common hepatic, splenic. Synonym: truncus coeliacus, arteria coeliaca, coeliac artery, coeliac axis, Haller's tripod. (05 Mar 2000) |
| disease, adult coeliac | This condition results from an immune (allergic) reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat and related grains and present in many foods that we eat. Sprue causes impaired absorption and digestion of nutrients through the small intestine. Symptoms include requent diarrhoea and weight loss. A skin condition called dermatitis herpetiformis can be associated with coeliac sprue. The most accurate diagnostic test for sprue is a biopsy of the involved small bowel. Treatment is to avoid gluten in the diet. Medications are used for refractory (stubborn) sprue. Known under a number of other names, including coeliac sprue. (12 Dec 1998) |
| infantile coeliac disease | Gluten-sensitive enteropathy appearing in infancy, often before the age of 9 months and characterised by acute onset, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and "failure to thrive." (05 Mar 2000) |