What does splanchnic mean?
Splanchnic is a technical adjective meaning relating to the viscera, particularly the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis. In anatomy, it describes the nerves, blood vessels, circulation, and other structures associated with these organs. For example, the splanchnic nerves are part of the autonomic nervous system and carry signals to and from internal organs, while splanchnic circulation refers to blood flow through the organs of the abdomen. Although “visceral” is a broader and more familiar synonym, “splanchnic” is especially common in anatomical and clinical descriptions. The word is useful for readers studying medicine, physiology, or anatomy because it identifies structures and functions belonging to the visceral body systems rather than to the skin, muscles, bones, or other parts of the body wall.
adjectiveRelating to or involving the viscera, especially the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis. In anatomy, the term commonly refers to the nerves and circulation supplying these organs.
- Relating to or involving the viscera, especially the internal organs of the abdomen and pelvis.
"The splanchnic nerves carry sympathetic signals to several abdominal and pelvic organs."
"Splanchnic blood flow changes when the body responds to stress or dehydration."
"The greater splanchnic nerve supplies several organs in the upper abdomen."
From the Greek word for entrails, splanchnic is anatomy’s precise label for the body’s internal-organ networks.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does splanchnic come from?
The word comes from Greek splánkhna, meaning entrails or internal organs, with the adjective formed in the medical vocabulary of Greek and New Latin. It developed into English as a specialist anatomical term associated with the nerves and blood vessels serving the internal organs.
Related word forms
How splanchnic is actually used
This is primarily a medical and anatomical term. It is more specialized than the everyday word “visceral” and is often used in phrases such as “splanchnic nerves,” “splanchnic circulation,” and “splanchnic vasculature.”
Easily confused with splanchnic
Splanchnic refers to the viscera, whereas somatic refers to the body wall, skeletal muscles, and skin.
Visceral is the broader everyday term for relating to the internal organs, while splanchnic is chiefly a technical anatomical term.