Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the role of the sympathetic trunk in the sympathetic nervous system pathway for skin innervation?
What is the role of the sympathetic trunk in the sympathetic nervous system pathway for skin innervation?
Which ganglia are involved when sympathetic fibers travel to the organs of the head and neck?
Which ganglia are involved when sympathetic fibers travel to the organs of the head and neck?
What specific pathway do sympathetic fibers take to reach thoracic organs?
What specific pathway do sympathetic fibers take to reach thoracic organs?
What is the role of postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system pathway?
What is the role of postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic nervous system pathway?
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Which of the following organs is specifically innervated by the sympathetic fibers originating from the thoracic region?
Which of the following organs is specifically innervated by the sympathetic fibers originating from the thoracic region?
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The sympathetic nervous system pathway for abdominopelvic organs includes which specific type of nerves?
The sympathetic nervous system pathway for abdominopelvic organs includes which specific type of nerves?
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How do sympathetic fibers exit the sympathetic trunk after synapsing in the ganglia?
How do sympathetic fibers exit the sympathetic trunk after synapsing in the ganglia?
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Which of the following statements best describes the function of sympathetic fibers in relation to the arrector pili muscles?
Which of the following statements best describes the function of sympathetic fibers in relation to the arrector pili muscles?
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Which spinal cord levels are involved in the sympathetic innervation of the skin?
Which spinal cord levels are involved in the sympathetic innervation of the skin?
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What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system innervation in the thoracic organs?
What is the primary function of the sympathetic nervous system innervation in the thoracic organs?
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Where do sympathetic fibers synapse for innervation of abdominopelvic organs?
Where do sympathetic fibers synapse for innervation of abdominopelvic organs?
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What type of nerves do sympathetic fibers use to reach the organs of the head and neck after synapsing in the ganglia?
What type of nerves do sympathetic fibers use to reach the organs of the head and neck after synapsing in the ganglia?
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Which of the following structures is innervated by sympathetic fibers from the thoracic region?
Which of the following structures is innervated by sympathetic fibers from the thoracic region?
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What role does the sympathetic trunk play in the pathway for skin innervation?
What role does the sympathetic trunk play in the pathway for skin innervation?
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Which group of ganglia is primarily involved in the sympathetic innervation to the thoracic organs?
Which group of ganglia is primarily involved in the sympathetic innervation to the thoracic organs?
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Which of the following accurately describes the pathway for sympathetic fibers to the thoracic organs?
Which of the following accurately describes the pathway for sympathetic fibers to the thoracic organs?
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What is the main role of postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic pathway for skin?
What is the main role of postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic pathway for skin?
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Which spinal cord segments give rise to sympathetic fibers that innervate the upper thoracic region?
Which spinal cord segments give rise to sympathetic fibers that innervate the upper thoracic region?
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Study Notes
Sympathetic Nervous System Pathways
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Skin Pathway:
- Fibers from spinal cord segments T1-L2 enter the sympathetic trunk.
- They may stay at the same level or travel up or down within the trunk.
- Synapse with postganglionic neurons within paravertebral ganglia.
- Leave the trunk via gray rami.
- Innervate sweat glands, arrector pili muscles, and blood vessels in the skin's dermatomes
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Organs of the Head & Neck Pathway:
- Fibers from spinal cord segments T1-T5 enter the sympathetic trunk via white rami.
- Travel superiorly in the trunk to the superior cervical ganglia.
- Synapse with postganglionic neurons.
- Exit via cephalic arterial branches.
- Innervate the ciliary muscle, dilator pupillae, and sensory structures of the carotid sinus.
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Thoracic Organs Pathway:
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Fibers from spinal cord segments T1-T5 enter the sympathetic trunk.
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Synapse with postganglionic neurons at the level of the superior cervical to T5 ganglia.
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Leave the trunk via cardiopulmonary splanchnic nerves.
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Innervate the heart and lungs.
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Heart: Fibers may ascend to superior, middle, or inferior cervical ganglia for synapse.
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Abdominopelvic Organs Pathway:
- Fibers from spinal cord segments T5-L2 enter the sympathetic trunk via white rami.
- May travel inferiorly or leave as splanchnic nerves.
- Splanchnic nerves synapse in prevertebral ganglia (e.g., celiac, superior mesenteric).
- Innervate abdominal and pelvic organs.
- Greater thoracic (T5-T9) travels to celiac ganglion to control stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas.
- Lesser thoracic (T10-T11) travels to aorticorenal ganglion to control kidneys and adrenal glands.
- Least thoracic (T12) travels to superior mesenteric ganglion to affect the proximal GI tract.
- Lumbar (L1-L2/3) controls the distal GI tract, bladder, and reproductive organs with innervation at the inferior mesenteric ganglion.
- Sacral splanchnic nerves innervate pelvic organs.
Key Ganglia and Nerves
- Paravertebral ganglia: Chains of ganglia alongside the spinal cord.
- Prevertebral ganglia: Ganglia anterior to the vertebral column (e.g., celiac, superior mesenteric).
- White rami: Branches carrying preganglionic sympathetic fibers into the sympathetic trunk.
- Gray rami: Branches carrying postganglionic sympathetic fibers back into the spinal nerves.
- Splanchnic nerves: Nerves carrying sympathetic fibers to prevertebral ganglia.
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Description
Explore the pathways of the sympathetic nervous system with this quiz. Discover how fibers innervate various body parts, including the skin, head, neck, and thoracic organs. Test your knowledge on the connections from spinal cord segments to target structures.
