cardiac plexuses (anatomy)

Last reviewed 01/2018

The cardiac plexuses are a group of ramifying autonomic nerve fibres in the region of the tracheal bifurcation which innervate the:

  • electrical conducting system of the heart
  • atrial and ventricular myocardium
  • coronary vasculature

Anatomically, the mass of fibres can be divided into superficial and deep parts but these are effectively continuous due to numerous interconnecting fibres. The anatomical division is considered in the submenu as is the division based upon autonomic supply.

The distribution of nerve fibres proximal to the plexuses is considered in the submenu section on cardiac innervation.