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(SYMPATHETIC PART)
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
• Define Autonomic nervous system.
• Define sympathetic part of ANS.
• Compare somatic and autonomic systems.
• Recognize the components of sympathetic part of nervous system (thoracolumbar
outflow: lateral gray horn, paravertebral sympathetic chain, prevertebral ganglia
and plexuses).
• Differentiate between white and gray rami communicans.
• Describe the different fates (destination) of white and gray rami (preganglionic
and post ganglionic fibres).
• List the functions.
COMPARISON OF SYMPATHETIC
AND PARASYMPATHETIC DIVISIONS
• Branching of axons
– Sympathetic axons – highly branched
• Influences many organs
– Parasympathetic axons – few branches
• Localized effect.
WHITE RAMI
• Connecting the spinal nerves to each sympathetic trunk are rami communicantes.
• Carry preganglionic sympathetic axons from the T1–L2 spinal nerves to the
sympathetic trunk.
• Associated only with the T1–L2 spinal nerves.
• Preganglionic axons are myelinated.
• The white ramus has a whitish appearance.
GRAY RAMI
• Carry postganglionic sympathetic axons from the sympathetic trunk to the
spinal nerve.
• Axons are unmyelinated gray rami have a grayish appearance.
• Connect to all spinal nerves, including the cervical, sacral, and coccygeal spinal
nerves.
• Sympathetic information that started out in the thoracolumbar region can be
dispersed to all parts of the body.
SYMPATHETIC DIVISION OF
THE ANS
SPLANCHNIC NERVES
SPLANCHNIC NERVES
• Composed of
preganglionic sympathetic
axons.
• Run anteriorly from the
sympathetic trunk to most
of the viscera.
• Larger splanchnic nerves
have specific names:
1. Greater thoracic splanchnic
nerves
2. Lesser thoracic splanchnic
nerves
3. Least thoracic splanchnic
nerves
4. Lumbar splanchnic nerves
5. Sacral splanchnic nerves
SUMMARY (continued)
• Output from preganglionic neurons in lateral horn of thoracic and upper lumbar
spinal cord (thoracolumbar outflow).
• Short preganglionic axons travel to sympathetic chain ganglia via white ramus
communicantes. Postsynaptic neuron exits via gray ramus communicantes.
• Long postganglionic axons travel to their targets via the
gray ramus communicantes.
• Some preganglionic axons travel to prevertebral ganglia via
the splanchnic nerves--are not paired
a) Celiac ganglion
b) Superior mesenteric ganglion
c) Inferior mesenteric ganglion
d) Inferior hypogastric ganglion
• Adrenal medulla
Acts like a sympathetic postganglionic neuron, but secretes epinephrine as opposed
to norepinephrine.
• Effects increase alertness, increased energy, cardiovascular & respiratory
activity, elevation of muscle tone, mobilization of energy reserves
FUNCTIONS
Sympathetic part of autonomic nervous system prepares the body for emergency.
Heart rate is increased.
Arterioles of skin and intestine are constricted but the arterioles of skeletal
muscles are dilated.
Blood pressure is raised.
Pupils are dilated.
It inhibits the smooth muscles of bronchi, intestine and bladder and closes the
sphincters.
Hair is made to stand and sweating occurs.
REFERENCES
• Clinical Neuroanatomy by Richard S. Snell
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