# What is the solar plexus?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 29, 2001, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879 "2001-05-29T13:00:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Kendo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Kendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kendo)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2001, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879/1 "2001-05-29T13:00:39Z")

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I repeat: What is the solar plexus?

I know it’s a part of the body, I know it’s somewhere around the stomach kind of area, but I don’t know exactly where to find it.

But more importantly, what does it actually do? Does it have a use? Did it have a use?

Why is it associated with all kinds of ‘mystical’ stuff?

Thanks!

* * *

[http://www.laughsend.com](http://www.laughsend.com) - for all your household comedy needs.

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**Author:** ![Raziel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/4bbf92/32.png) [@Raziel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raziel)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2001, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879/2 "2001-05-29T13:11:02Z")

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AFAIK, it’s halfway between the bellybutton and the sternum.  
I know getting hit there knocks the wind out of you fairly consistenly, I’m assuming because that’s where the diaphram is.

No idea why it’s so “mystical”, though.

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**Author:** ![Phobos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Phobos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phobos)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2001, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879/3 "2001-05-29T13:12:45Z")

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From [Discovery.com](http://school.discovery.com/homeworkhelp/worldbook/atozscience/s/518920.html)

> [@](#):
>
> Solar plexus is a common name for the celiac plexus, network of nerves in back of the stomach. It is part of the autonomic nervous system. This system controls the abdominal viscera (internal organs). Nerve threads of the autonomic nervous system connect by branches with organs of the abdominal cavity.

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**Author:** ![Phobos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Phobos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phobos)\
**Post date:** [May 29, 2001, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879/4 "2001-05-29T13:16:47Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Kendo \*  
> \*\* Why is it associated with all kinds of ‘mystical’ stuff?  
> \*\*

For that matter, why is anything?

My guess is that in the continuing effort to link body & spitit, people realize that this area of body is “central” and therefore, significant to something. Then they layer on the mystical stuff.

(by the way, welcome to the SDMB!)

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**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\
**Post date:** [May 30, 2001, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-solar-plexus/66879/5 "2001-05-30T00:25:59Z")

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The solar plexus is where the Hardy Boys hit people. My understanding is that the Champ also causes devestation there.