Obj. 6: Sympathetic Chain Ganglia & 3 Ganglia Pathways

Question 1

Sympathetic outflow arises from which portion of the spinal cord?

Answer 1

T₁ through L₂

Question 2

How are lateral horns of the spinal cord produced?

Answer 2

Through sympathetic motor neurons. There are no lateral horns in the sacral region

Question 3

Describe the pathway of the preganglionic fibers in sympathetic outflow

Answer 3

Preganglionic fibers leave the lateral horns via the ventral root and immediately after splitting into the ventral rami, pass through the white rami communicantes (white = myelinated) and synapse in the sympathetic chain ganglia (also called the sympathetic trunk ganglia)

Question 4

Describe the pathway of postganglionic fibers in the sympathetic outflow

Answer 4

postganglionic fibers pass through the gray rami communicantes if the synapse is in the sympathetic chain

Question 5

are postganglionic fibers myelinated or unmyelinated?

Answer 5

postganglionic fibers are always unmyelinated

Question 6

splanchnic nerves (thoracic, lumbar & sacral) are formed from which fibers?

Answer 6

Fibers from **T₅-L₂ form splanchnic nerves (thoracic, lumbar & sacral) **

Question 7

Describe the pathway for splanchnic nerves

Answer 7

Splanchnic nerves (thoracic, lumbar & sacral) synapse with collateral ganglia located anterior to the vertebral column (occurs only in abdomen & pelvis)

Question 8

unmyelinated postganglionic fibers innervate which parts of the body?

Answer 8

unmyelinated postganglionic fibers innervate numerous organs, blood vessels and glands