L4 Sympathetic Nervous System Overview

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Questions and Answers

How many ganglia are typically found in the cervical part of the sympathetic chain?

Three (correct)

Two

Four

Five

Which part of the sympathetic chain has the highest number of ganglia?

Lumbar part

Sacral part

Cervical part

Thoracic part (correct)

What is the total number of lumbar and sacral ganglia combined in the sympathetic chain?

Sixteen

Four (correct)

Eight

Twelve

How are the paravertebral ganglia organized along the vertebral column?

In two interconnected chains, one on each side Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of ganglia present in the thoracic part of the sympathetic chain?

Eleven to twelve Signup and view all the answers

What type of ganglia are located in front of the vertebral column?

Celiac and mesenteric ganglia Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglia form the sympathetic chain along the vertebral column?

Paravertebral ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of prevertebral ganglia?

They are located near the central nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

Where are the paravertebral ganglia positioned relative to the vertebral column?

Next to the vertebral column, forming a chain Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglia would be considered as part of the autonomic nervous system?

Celiac and mesenteric ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system?

To connect the sympathetic chain to target tissues Signup and view all the answers

How do postganglionic axons reach their target structures in the thorax?

By joining the spinal nerve through the grey ramus communicans Signup and view all the answers

Which structures do postganglionic neurons primarily supply?

Blood vessels and sweat glands Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the grey ramus communicans in the sympathetic nervous system?

It provides a pathway for postganglionic axons to enter the spinal nerve Signup and view all the answers

Where are postganglionic neurons located in relation to the paravertebral ganglion?

In the sympathetic chain Signup and view all the answers

Which structure houses postganglionic neurons?

Peripheral ganglia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of postganglionic axons in relation to pelvic viscera?

To supply motor signals to pelvic organs Signup and view all the answers

Which option describes the location of postganglionic ganglia in the sympathetic nervous system?

In the sympathetic chain Signup and view all the answers

Which cranial nerve is known to contain parasympathetic neurons?

Vagus nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which two nervous system divisions primarily interact with postganglionic neurons?

Sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the preganglionic fibers within the sympathetic chain?

To leave the sympathetic chain and reach other ganglia Signup and view all the answers

Which ganglia do preganglionic fibers reach after leaving the sympathetic chain?

Celiac and inferior mesenteric ganglia Signup and view all the answers

Why might preganglionic fibers leave the sympathetic chain without synapsing?

To synapse at peripheral ganglia closer to target tissues Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure do the preganglionic fibers connect with after leaving the sympathetic chain?

Branches of the abdominal aorta Signup and view all the answers

What type of nervous system is chiefly represented by the sympathetic chain?

Sympathetic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Postganglionic Ganglia

Located closer to the central nervous system compared to preganglionic neurons.
Prevertebral ganglia include:
- Celiac ganglion
- Superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia, situated in front of the vertebral column.
Paravertebral ganglia form the sympathetic chain adjacent to the vertebral column.

Structure of the Sympathetic Chain

Comprised of two interconnected sympathetic chains, one on each side of the vertebral column.
Number of ganglia:
- Three in the cervical region.
- Eleven to twelve in the thoracic region.
- Four each in the lumbar and sacral regions.

Postganglionic Neurons

Arise from the corresponding paravertebral ganglia.
Postganglionic axons exit the sympathetic chain and join the spinal nerve via the grey ramus communicans (GRC).
These axons target structures in the thorax, including blood vessels and sweat glands.

Preganglionic Fibers

Preganglionic fibers within the sympathetic chain may exit without synapsing.
These fibers reach:
- Celiac ganglion
- Superior mesenteric ganglion
- Inferior mesenteric ganglion
Synapse with postganglionic neurons located in peripheral ganglia.
Postganglionic axons supply pelvic viscera.

Comparison with Parasympathetic Division

Understanding of the differences in function and location between sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions is essential for neural physiology.

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Description

This quiz covers the structure and function of the sympathetic nervous system, focusing on postganglionic ganglia, the sympathetic chain, and the roles of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons. Explore how these components interact and their relevance to thoracic structures. Test your understanding of the nervous system with specific examples.