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sympathetic nervous system

pars sympathica divisionis autonomici systematis nervosi

One of the two divisions of the vertebrate autonomic nervous system, the sympathetic division is distinguished from the parasympathetic by the origin of its preganglionic neurons. Those cell bodies lie in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and connect to the paravertebral chain of sympathetic ganglia. Its targets include the heart and blood vessels, the sweat glands, the viscera, and the adrenal medulla, the last of which is an endocrine organ innervated directly by preganglionic fibres. Most sympathetic neurons, though not all, use noradrenaline as a postganglionic neurotransmitter. The spinal level of outflow and the transmitter used are the two criteria on which the division is defined, and its Latin designation names it as the sympathetic part of the autonomic division of the nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is one of the two divisions of the vertebrate autonomic nervous system (the other being the parasympathetic nervous system). The sympathetic preganglionic neurons have their cell bodies in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and connect to the paravertebral chain of sympathetic ganglia. Innervate heart and blood vessels, sweat glands, viscera and the adrenal medulla. Most sympathetic neurons, but not all, use noradrenaline as a post-ganglionic neurotransmitter [GO].

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種類 Bone
器官系 Nervous
ラテン語名 pars sympathica divisionis autonomici systematis nervosi
FMA ID 9906

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do sympathetic preganglionic neurons originate?

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons have their cell bodies in the intermediolateral cell column of the thoracic (T1-T12) and upper lumbar (L1-L3) spinal cord segments, giving the sympathetic system its thoracolumbar designation.

What is the role of the sympathetic chain ganglia?

The paravertebral sympathetic chain ganglia are two chains of ganglia running alongside the vertebral column. Preganglionic fibers synapse here (or in prevertebral ganglia) with postganglionic neurons that then innervate target organs throughout the body.

What neurotransmitters does the sympathetic nervous system release?

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine at ganglia (nicotinic receptors). Postganglionic sympathetic neurons primarily release norepinephrine (adrenergic), except for sweat glands (cholinergic) and the adrenal medulla, which releases epinephrine directly into the bloodstream.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:9906 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0000013 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)

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Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.