Sympathetic ganglion
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2008-06-16T15:50:07Z
Medsta
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{{Infobox Anatomy |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = g. sympathicum |
GraySubject = |
GrayPage = |
Image = Gray839.png |
Caption = Autonomic nervous system innervation, showing the [[sympathetic]] (thoracolumbar) and [[parasympathetic]] (craniosacral) systems, in red and blue, respectively |
Image2 = Gray819.png |
Caption2 = Diagram of the course and branches of a typical [[intercostal nerve]]. (Sympathetic ganglion visible at center top.)|
System = |
Precursor = |
MeshName = |
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DorlandsPre = g_02 |
DorlandsSuf = 12385047 |
}}
'''Sympathetic ganglia''' are the [[autonomic ganglia|ganglia]] of the [[sympathetic nervous system]]. They deliver information to the body about [[stress (medicine)|stress]] and impending danger, and are responsible for the familiar [[fight-or-flight response]]. They contain approximately 20000–30000 nerve cell bodies and are located close to and either side of the spinal cord in long chains.
==Anatomy==
===Sympathetic chain ganglia===
The bilaterally symmetric [[sympathetic chain ganglia]], also called the [[paravertebral ganglia]], are located just anterior and lateral to the [[spinal cord]]. The chain extends from the upper neck down to the [[coccyx]], forming the unpaired [[coccygeal ganglion]]. Preganglionic nerves from the [[spinal cord]] [[synapse]] at one of the chain ganglia and the postganglionic fibre extends to an effector, typically a [[visceral organ]] in the [[thoracic cavity]].
===Collateral ganglia===
Neurons of the [[collateral ganglia]], also called the [[prevertebral ganglia]], receive input from the [[splanchnic nerves]] and innervate organs of the [[abdominal]] and [[pelvis|pelvic]] region. These include the [[celiac ganglia]], [[superior mesenteric ganglia]], and [[inferior mesenteric ganglia]].
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray530.png|The thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side.
Image:Gray799.svg|Scheme showing structure of a typical spinal nerve.
Image:Gray1111.png|Transverse section of human embryo eight and a half to nine weeks old.
</gallery>
==External links==
* [http://microvet.arizona.edu/Courses/VSC401/autonomicNervous.html The Autonomic Nervous System] from the University of Arizona
* {{NormanAnatomy|thoraxlesson5}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|paravertebralregion}})
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Sympathetic+ganglia}}
{{Autonomic}}
[[Category:Sympathetic nervous system]]
[[es:Ganglio simpático]]