Sympathetic trunk
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2008-04-18T14:03:19Z
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{{Refimprove|date=March 2008}}
{{Infobox Nerve |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = truncus sympathicus |
GraySubject = 214 |
GrayPage = 976 |
Image = Gray847.png |
Caption = Abdominal portion of the [[sympathetic trunk]], with the [[celiac plexus]] and [[hypogastric plexus]]. (Sympathetic trunk labeled at center left.) |
Image2 = Gray799.svg |
Caption2 = Scheme showing structure of a typical [[spinal nerve]]. 1. Somatic efferent. 2. Somatic afferent. 3,4,5. Sympathetic efferent. 6,7. Sympathetic afferent. |
Innervates = |
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DorlandsPre = t_20 |
DorlandsSuf = 12826120 |
}}
The '''sympathetic trunk''' ('''sympathetic chain''', '''gangliated cord''') is a bundle of nerve fibers that runs from the base of the [[skull]] to the [[coccyx]]. There are two sympathetic trunks in the body, a right one and a left one.
==Structure==
The sympathetic trunk travels in a downward direction from the skull, just lateral to the vertebral bodies. It interacts with the [[spinal nerves]] or their ventral root by way of [[rami communicantes]].
The superior end of it is continued upward through the [[carotid canal]] into the skull, and forms a [[plexus]] on the [[internal carotid artery]]; the inferior part travels in front of the [[coccyx]], where it converges with the other trunk at a structure known as the [[ganglion impar]].
Along the length of the sympathetic trunk are [[ganglia]] known as [[paravertebral ganglia]].
==Function==
The sympathetic trunk is a fundamental part of the sympathetic division of the [[autonomic nervous system]]. It allows nerve fibers to travel to spinal nerves that are superior and inferior to the one in which it originated. Also, a number of nerves, such as most of the [[splanchnic nerves]], arise directly from the trunks.
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Spinal nerve.svg|The formation of the spinal nerve from the dorsal and ventral roots.
Image:Gray503.png|Transverse section of thorax, showing relations of pulmonary artery.
Image:Gray530.png|The thoracic aorta, viewed from the left side.
Image:Gray829.png|Dissection of side wall of pelvis showing sacral and pudendal plexuses.
Image:Gray837.png|Sacral plexus of the right side.
Image:Gray839.png|Diagram of efferent sympathetic nervous system.
Image:Gray840.png|Sympathetic connections of the ciliary and superior cervical ganglia.
</gallery>
==See also==
* [[Splanchnic nerves]]
* [[Spinal nerves]]
* [[Autonomic nervous system]]
* [[Horner's syndrome]]
==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyFigs|21|04|04}} - "The position of the right and left vagus nerves, and sympathetic trunks in the mediastinum."
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|15|01|02}} - "The Female Pelvis: The Posterolateral Pelvic Wall"
* {{GPnotebook|-1764753348}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Sympathetic+trunk}}
* {{UMichAtlas|n3a6p1}} - "Autonomic Connections of the Spinal Cord"
* [http://www.umm.edu/thoracic/images/sym_lg2.jpg Diagram at umm.edu]
{{Gray's}}{{Autonomic}}
{{Spinal cord}}
[[Category:Nervous system]]
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