Solar plexus is a common name for the celiac plexus, a network of nerves in the 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.
A blow on a spot between the navel and breastbone, a little to the right, is called the solar plexus punch. A fighter can be knocked out by this punch if it is hard enough. The exact manner in which this occurs has not been determined. The solar plexus first became well known in 1897 as a result of the championship boxing match between James Corbett and Robert Fitzsimmons. Fitzsimmons knocked out Corbett with a blow to the solar plexus.
