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Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences: Human Structure Module
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  9. Nerves of the Abdomen

Nerves of the Abdomen

NerveSourceBranchesMotorSensoryNotes
aorticorenal ganglionpreganglionic sympathetic via the lesser thoracic splanchnic n.brs. to the renal plexusvascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the renal aa.pain from the kidney, suprarenal gland, upper uretera sympathetic ganglion; located above or near the origin of the renal a. from the abdominal aorta
celiac ganglionpreganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic splanchnic n.postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus along brs. of the celiac trunkvascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac trunkpain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the duodenum & pancreasa sympathetic ganglion; usually 2 celiac ganglia are located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the celiac trunk; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through the celiac ganglion without synapsing
collateral ganglia splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar)plexuses to abdominal & pelvic viscerasmooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the abdominopelvic viscerapain from the abdominopelvic viscerasympathetic ganglia; also known as: preaortic ganglia which include: celiac, aorticorenal, superior & inferior mesenteric; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through but do not synapse in collateral ganglia
dorsal primary ramusfirst branch off of the dorsal side of the spinal nervenumerousto the deep back mm.; sympathetic innervation to the skingeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the backa mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers
dorsal rootfrom the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nervenonenonegeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.)dorsal root is entirely sensory in function; it is located dorsal to the denticulate ligament
dorsal root gangliondorsal rootletsdorsal rootletsnoneone dermatomea sensory ganglion; located in the intervertebral foramen of the vertebral column on the dorsal root - one per spinal nerve; location of the cell bodies of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons
esophageal plexusright and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunkanterior and posterior vagal trunkspreganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in the esophageal vesselsvagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagusduring development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90° to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks
femoral n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L4)anterior femoral cutaneous brs., nn. to: sartorius m., rectus femoris m., vastus lateralis m., vastus intermedius m., vastus medialis m., pectineus m.sartorius, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, pectineusskin of anterior thighpasses under inguinal ligament lateral to femoral a.
femoral cutaneous, laterallumbar plexus (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L2-L3)anterior & posterior brs.sympathetic motor innervation to skinskin of the lateral thighcutaneous nn. carry postganglionic sympathetic axons to skin
ganglia, collateral splanchnic nn. (thoracic, lumbar)plexuses to abdominal & pelvic viscerasmooth muscle in blood vessels supplying the abdominopelvic viscerapain from the abdominopelvic viscerasympathetic ganglia; also known as: preaortic ganglia which include: celiac, aorticorenal, superior & inferior mesenteric; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through but do not synapse in collateral ganglia
ganglia, myentericpreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneminute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia
ganglia, preaorticsplanchnic nn.plexuses to abdominal and pelvic visceravascular smooth muscle of vessels that supply abdominopelvic viscerapain from abdominopelvic visceraalso known as: collateral ganglia which include the celiac ganglion, aorticorenal ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion and inferior mesenteric ganglion; preganglionic parasympathetic axons of vagal trunk origin pass through the preaortic ganglia but do not synapse there
ganglia, submucosal of the gutpreganglionic parasympathetic arrive via branches of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssecretomotor to glands in the mucosa of the gutnoneterminal parasympathetic ganglia; parasympathetic terminal ganglia; also known as: Meissner's plexus
ganglia, sympathetic chain preganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2postganglionic sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.; lumbar splanchnic nn.; sacral splanchnic nn.dilator pupillae, vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut pain from visceralocated lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk; preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2
ganglion, celiacpreganglionic sympathetic axons arrive via the greater thoracic splanchnic n.postganglionic sympathetic axons distribute via the celiac plexus along brs. of the celiac trunkvascular smooth muscle of the brs. of the celiac trunkpain from the stomach, liver & biliary system, spleen, upper half of the duodenum & pancreasa sympathetic ganglion; usually 2 celiac ganglia are located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the celiac trunk; brs. of the vagal trunks pass through the celiac ganglion without synapsing
ganglion, dorsal rootdorsal rootletsdorsal rootletsnoneone dermatomea sensory ganglion; located in the intervertebral foramen of the vertebral column on the dorsal root - one per spinal nerve; location of the cell bodies of somatic afferent (sensory) neurons
ganglion, inferior mesentericpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the second lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one
ganglion, superior mesentericpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexuscontributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexusesvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon and transverse colona sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a.
gray ramus communicanscell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglianonecarries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc.none gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all vertebral levels
greater thoracic splanchnic n.neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord levels T5-T9; the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions from the sympathetic trunkno named branchesceliac ganglion; preganglionic fibers supply the adrenal medulla which releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodpain from the abdominal visceragreater thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the celiac ganglion spread down the aorta and distribute with its branches; they innervate the vascular smooth of these vessels and vascular smooth muscle of the organs supplied
hypogastric n.superior hypogastric plexusinferior hypogastric plexussupplies vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerapaired; hypogastric n. lies inferior to the common iliac vessels; it contains postganglionic sympathetic axons
hypogastric plexus, inferiorhypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic
viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera
pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall
hypogastric plexus, superiorintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim
iliohypogastric n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)lateral and anterior cutaneous brs.muscles of the lower abdominal wallskin of the lower abdominal wall, upper hip and upper thighiliohypogastric n. receives a contribution from T12 in approximately 50% of cases
ilioinguinal n.lumbar plexus (ventral primary ramus of spinal nerve L1)anterior cutaneous br. (also known as: anterior labial/scrotal n.)muscles of the lower abdominal wallskin of the lower abdominal wall and anterior scrotum/labium majusilioinguinal n. courses through the inguinal canal and superficial inguinal ring
inferior mesenteric ganglion preganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the second lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one
inferior mesenteric plexus intermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall
inferior rectal n.pudendal n.no named branchesexternal anal sphincterskin of the anusinferior rectal nerve is one of the first branches of the pudendal n.
intercostal n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-T11lateral & anterior cutaneous brs.intercostal muscles; abdominal wall muscles (via T7-T11); muscles of the forearm and hand (via T1)skin of the chest and abdomen anterolaterally; skin of the medial side of the upper limb (via T1-T2)intercostal n.travels below the posterior intercostal a. in the costal groove
intermesenteric plexuslumbar splanchnic nn. 1 and 2 renal, testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexurepain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumintermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus; intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric
aa.
least thoracic splanchnic n.neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T12no named branchesrenal plexuspain from the kidney and suprarenal glandleast thoracic splanchnic n.pass through the crus of the diaphragm; it synapses in minute ganglia located in the renal plexus
lesser thoracic splanchnic n.neurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord levels T10-T11; the lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions from the sympathetic trunkno named branchesaorticorenal ganglion; pain from the kidney and suprarenal glandlesser thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the ganglion supply vascular smooth muscle of branches of the renal a. and suprarenal aa.; kidney and suprarenal gland
lumbar n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L5contributes to the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexusesnumerous: see lumbar and sacral plexusesnumerous: see lumbar and sacral plexuseslumbar nn. enter into the formation of the lumbar and sacral plexuses and do not give branches directly to muscles or skin
lumbar plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4branches of the lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hipskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hiplumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal wall
lumbar splanchnic nn.lumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4no named branches smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic viscerapain from abdominal and pelvic viscerasympathetic nerves; there are four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac, superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)
lumbosacral plexusventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4branches of the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m., posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and footalso known as: lumbar & sacral plexuses
lumbosacral trunk part of the ventral primary ramus of L4 united with the ventral primary ramus of L5no named branches; it contributes to the formation of the sacral plexusmuscles of the hip and posterior thighsee sacral plexusthe lumbosacral trunk is not considered to be part of the lumbar plexus
mesenteric ganglion, inferiorpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the intermesenteric plexus and the second lumbar splanchnic n.contributes to the inferior mesenteric plexus; contributes to the superior hypogastric plexusvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the inferior mesenteric a.pain from descending colon and sigmoid colon; pain from upper rectuma sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the inferior mesenteric a.; may be a series of small, indistinguishable ganglia rather than a single large one
mesenteric ganglion, superiorpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexuscontributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexusesvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon and transverse colona sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a.
mesenteric plexus, inferiorintermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall
mesenteric plexus, superiorceliac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglionmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth muscle in the gut wall of same distribution areapain & GVA of the parts of the gut named at leftsuperior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons
myenteric gangliapreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneminute ganglia located within the myenteric plexus; parasympathetic terminal ganglia
myenteric plexuspreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneparasympathetic terminal ganglia are located here; also known as: Auerbach's plexus
pelvic splanchnic n.ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord)unnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexussmooth muscle and glands of the gut distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic visceranoneparasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons
plexus, esophagealright and left vagus (X) nn.; thoracic visceral brs. of the sympathetic trunkanterior and posterior vagal trunkspreganglionic parasympathetic axons from the vagus n. supply smooth muscle and glands of the thoracic esophagus and abdominal gut and its derivatives proximal to the left colic flexure; postganglionic sympathetic axons from the thoracic visceral brs. supply vascular smooth muscle in the esophageal vesselsvagus: GVA from the esophagus and abdominal gut proximal to the left colic flexure; thoracic visceral brs.carry pain from the esophagusduring development of the gut, the stomach and esophagus rotate 90° to the right with the result that the left and right vagus nerves mix in the esophageal plexus and emerge as anterior and posterior vagal trunks
plexus, inferior hypogastrichypogastric nn. and sacral splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons); pelvic splanchnic nn. (preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4)contributes branches to: uterine/vaginal plexus, vesical plexus, prostatic plexussympathetic: supplies vascular smooth muscle of vessels supplying the pelvic viscera; parasympathetic: supplies smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerainferior hypogastric plexus lies between the pelvic viscera and the pelvic wall
plexus, inferior mesentericintermesenteric plexusmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the inferior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of the vessels supplying the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumpain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectuminferior mesenteric plexus contains no vagal parasympathetic fibers; pelvic splanchnic n. axons join the most distal nn. of the plexus near gut wall
plexus, intermesentericlumbar splanchnic nn. 1 and 2 renal, testicular (or ovarian) and ureteric brs.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the gut distal to the left colic flexurepain from the descending colon, sigmoid colon and rectumintermesenteric plexus is continuous with the superior mesenteric plexus; it continues inferiorly as the inferior mesenteric plexus and superior hypogastric plexus; intermesenteric plexus does not carry vagal parasympathetic fibers; located anterior to the abdominal aorta between the superior and inferior mesenteric
aa.
plexus, lumbarventral primary rami of spinal nerves L1-L4branches of the lumbar plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hipskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hiplumbar plexus is noted for its variable branching pattern of nerves that supply the abdominal wall
plexus, lumbosacralventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-S4branches of the lumbosacral plexus: iliohypogastric n., ilioinguinal n., genitofemoral n., lateral femoral cutaneous n., femoral n., obturator n., lumbosacral trunk (considered to be part of sacral plexus), brs. to the psoas major and minor mm., branches to the quadratus lumborum m., superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to the obturator internus m., n. to the quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to the piriformis m., posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to the pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the lower abdominal wall; cremaster m., psoas major and minor mm., quadratus lumborum m., iliacus m.; muscles of the anterior and medial thigh and hip, muscles of the pelvic & urogenital diaphragm, posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the lower abdominal wall, skin of the anterior scrotum/labium majus, skin of the anterior and medial thigh and lateral hip' skin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and footalso known as: lumbar & sacral plexuses
plexus, myentericpreganglionic parasympathetic via anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssmooth muscle of the gut wallnoneparasympathetic terminal ganglia are located here; also known as: Auerbach's plexus
plexus, rectalinferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus, posterior partno named branchessympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectum; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectumpain and general sensation from the rectumrectal plexus is continuous with the vesical plexus in the male, uterovaginal plexus in the female
plexus, renal intermesenteric plexus, aorticorenal ganglion, least thoracic splanchnic n.unnamed branches course along the renal vesselssympathetic: smooth muscle of the blood vessels supplying the kidney, renal pelvis and upper ureter; parasympathetic: smooth muscle of the renal pelvis and upper ureterpain from the kidney, renal pelvis and upper ureterrenal plexus contains postganglionic sympathetic axons and preganglionic parasympathetic axons (parasympathetic axons are of vagal origin)
plexus, superior hypogastricintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim
plexus, superior mesentericceliac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglionmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth muscle in the gut wall of same distribution areapain & GVA of the parts of the gut named at leftsuperior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons
preaortic gangliasplanchnic nn.plexuses to abdominal and pelvic visceravascular smooth muscle of vessels that supply abdominopelvic viscerapain from abdominopelvic visceraalso known as: collateral ganglia which include the celiac ganglion, aorticorenal ganglion, superior mesenteric ganglion and inferior mesenteric ganglion; preganglionic parasympathetic axons of vagal trunk origin pass through the preaortic ganglia but do not synapse there
ramus communicans, graycell bodies located in the sympathetic chain ganglianonecarries postganglionic sympathetic axons to the spinal nerve; spinal nerve will carry those axons peripherally to the skin, blood vessels, etc.none gray rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at all vertebral levels
ramus communicans, whitecell bodies located in the lateral horn gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2; noneaxons contained within white rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc.pain from viscera is carried back to the spinal cord through the white ramus communicanswhite rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons
ramus, dorsal primaryfirst branch off of the dorsal side of the spinal nervenumerousto the deep back mm.; sympathetic innervation to the skingeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the backa mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers
ramus, ventral primaryfirst branch off of the ventral side of the spinal nervenumerousto skeletal mm. of the neck, trunk and extremities; sympathetic innervation to the skingeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the trunk (except the back) and extremities; visceral pain via the white rami of the sympathetic nervous system (T1-L2)a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers
rectal plexusinferior hypogastric (pelvic) plexus, posterior partno named branchessympathetic: vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectum; parasympathetic: smooth muscle and glands of the pelvic viscera, especially the rectumpain and general sensation from the rectumrectal plexus is continuous with the vesical plexus in the male, uterovaginal plexus in the female
renal plexusintermesenteric plexus, aorticorenal ganglion, least thoracic splanchnic n.unnamed branches course along the renal vesselssympathetic: smooth muscle of the blood vessels supplying the kidney, renal pelvis and upper ureter; parasympathetic: smooth muscle of the renal pelvis and upper ureterpain from the kidney, renal pelvis and upper ureterrenal plexus contains postganglionic sympathetic axons and preganglionic parasympathetic axons (parasympathetic axons are of vagal origin)
root, dorsalfrom the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nervenonenonegeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.)dorsal root is entirely sensory in function; it is located dorsal to the denticulate ligament
root, ventralfrom the ventral horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nervenoneto skeletal mm.; preganglionic sympathetic (T1-L2)noneentirely motor in function; located ventral to the denticulate ligament; at all spinal core levels it contains GSE for skeletal mm.; at levels T1-L2 it contains GVE (preganglionic sympathetic) for blood vessels, sweat glands, thoracic viscera, abdominal viscera, pelvic viscera
sacral plexuslumbosacral trunk (ventral primary rami of spinal nerves L4-L5), ventral primary rami of spinal nerves S1-S4superior & inferior gluteal nn., n. to obturator internus m., n. to quadratus femoris m., sciatic n., n. to piriformis, posterior femoral cutaneous n., pudendal n., n. to pelvic diaphragm, pelvic splanchnic nn.muscles of the pelvic diaphragm; muscles of the urogenital diaphragm; muscles of the posterior hip, posterior thigh, leg and footskin of the perineum, posterior thigh, leg and foot (excluding the medial side of the leg and foot)the sacral plexus is often grouped with the lumbar plexus as the "lumbosacral plexus"
sacral splanchnic n.sacral sympathetic gangliaunnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexusvascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerasacral splanchnic nn. contain both preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers with postganglionic fibers predominating in number
spinal n.formed at the point where the dorsal and ventral rootlets meet; it ends where the dorsal and ventral primary rami divergedorsal primary ramus; ventral primary ramusto skeletal mm.; some levels carry preganglionic sympathetic axons (T1-L2)general sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) from the entire surface of the neck, trunk and extremities; visceral pain (via the white ramus communicans and the sympathetic nervous system)located at the intervertebral foramen; there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves - 8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal
splanchnic, greater thoracicneurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord levels T5-T9; the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions from the sympathetic trunkno named branchesceliac ganglion; preganglionic fibers supply the adrenal medulla which releases epinephrine and norepinephrine into the bloodpain from the abdominal visceragreater thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the celiac ganglion spread down the aorta and distribute with its branches; they innervate the vascular smooth of these vessels and vascular smooth muscle of the organs supplied
splanchnic, least thoracicneurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord level T12no named branchesrenal plexuspain from the kidney and suprarenal glandleast thoracic splanchnic n.pass through the crus of the diaphragm; it synapses in minute ganglia located in the renal plexus
splanchnic, lesser thoracicneurons in the intermediolateral cell column of spinal cord levels T10-T11; the lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve appears to arise by multiple contributions from the sympathetic trunkno named branchesaorticorenal ganglion; pain from the kidney and suprarenal glandlesser thoracic splanchnic n. passes through the crus of the respiratory diaphragm; postganglionic processes from the ganglion supply vascular smooth muscle of branches of the renal a. and suprarenal aa.; kidney and suprarenal gland
splanchnic, lumbarlumbar sympathetic ganglia L1-L4no named branches smooth muscle of vessels that supply the abdominal and pelvic viscerapain from abdominal and pelvic viscerasympathetic nerves; there are four of these on each side; lumbar splanchnic nn. contribute to preaortic abdominal plexuses (celiac, superior mesenteric, intermesenteric, superior hypogastric)
splanchnic, pelvicventral primary rami of spinal nerves S2-S4 (cell bodies are located in the lateral horn gray of the sacral spinal cord)unnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexussmooth muscle and glands of the gut distal to the left colic flexure; smooth muscle and glands of all pelvic visceranoneparasympathetic nerves; these contain preganglionic parasympathetic axons
splanchnic, sacralsacral sympathetic gangliaunnamed branches contribute to the pelvic plexus (inferior hypogastric) plexusvascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscerapain from the pelvic viscerasacral splanchnic nn. contain both preganglionic and postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers with postganglionic fibers predominating in number
subcostal n.ventral primary ramus of T12lateral cutaneous br., anterior cutaneous br.muscles of the abdominal wallskin of the anterolateral abdominal wallthe subcostal n. is equivalent to a posterior intercostal n. found at higher thoracic levels
submucosal ganglia of the gutpreganglionic parasympathetic arrive via branches of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks (gut proximal to the left colic flexure) and pelvic splanchnic nn. (gut distal to the left colic flexure)postganglionic parasympathetic via many short fiberssecretomotor to glands in the mucosa of the gutnoneterminal parasympathetic ganglia; parasympathetic terminal ganglia; also known as: Meissner's plexus
superior hypogastric plexusintermesenteric plexus and lumbar splanchnic nn. (postganglionic sympathetic axons)hypogastric nn. (right and left)vascular smooth muscle of the pelvic viscera (sympathetic)pain from the pelvic viscera; general visceral afferent from the pelvic viscerasuperior hypogastric plexus is the continuation of the intermesenteric plexus; it crosses the pelvic brim
superior mesenteric ganglionpreganglionic sympathetic axons from the celiac plexuscontributes to the superior mesenteric and intermesenteric plexusesvascular smooth muscle of brs. of the superior mesenteric a.pain from the lower half of the pancreas and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, appendix, ascending colon and transverse colona sympathetic ganglion; located on the abdominal aorta at the origin of the superior mesenteric a.
superior mesenteric plexusceliac plexus, superior mesenteric ganglionmultiple unnamed nn. course along the branches of the superior mesenteric a.sympathetic: smooth muscle of vessels supplying the lower pancreas, lower duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, ascending colon and most of the transverse colon; parasympathetic (vagus): smooth muscle in the gut wall of same distribution areapain & GVA of the parts of the gut named at leftsuperior mesenteric plexus contains a mixture of vagal (preganglionic parasympathetic) axons and postganglionic sympathetic axons
sympathetic chain gangliapreganglionic sympathetic fibers arrive via white rami communicantes of ventral primary rami of spinal nerves T1-L2postganglionic sympathetic fibers depart via gray rami communicantes to all spinal nn.; internal & external carotid nn.; cervical cardiac brs.; thoracic direct visceral brs.; greater, lesser & least thoracic splanchnic nn.; lumbar splanchnic nn.; sacral splanchnic nn.dilator pupillae, vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, sweat glands, suprarenal medulla, heart, lungs and gut pain from visceralocated lateral to the vertebral bodies in the neck, thorax & abdominopelvic cavity; the ganglia plus their interconnecting fibers are also known as the sympathetic trunk; preganglionic cell bodies are located in the intermediolateral gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2
vagus n.medulla: dorsal motor nucleus (GVE preganglionic parasympathetic); inferior ganglion (GVA); nucleus ambiguus (SVE); superior ganglion (GSA); inferior ganglion(SVA)auricular br., pharyngeal br., superior laryngeal, superior and inferior cervical cardiac brs., recurrent laryngeal n., thoracic cardiac brs., brs. to the pulmonary plexus, brs. to the esophageal plexus, anterior and posterior vagal trunksSVE: intrinsic muscles of the larynx, pharynx (except stylopharyngeus), and palate (except tensor veli palatini); GVE: smooth muscle of the respiratory tree & gut (proximal to the left colic flexure), heart; secretomotor: mucous glands of the larynx, respiratory tree, pharynx and gut; secretomotor to digestive glandsGSA: skin of the external auditory meatus; GVA: viscera of head, neck, thorax and abdomen proximal to the left colic flexure; SVA: taste from the epiglottisalso known as: CN X, 10th cranial nerve; the vagus n. passes through the jugular foramen to exit the posterior cranial fossa; vagus means "wanderer" in reference to its extensive distribution to the body cavities
ventral primary ramusfirst branch off of the ventral side of the spinal nervenumerousto skeletal mm. of the neck, trunk and extremities; sympathetic innervation to the skingeneral sense (touch, pressure, pain, heat, cold, etc.) to the skin of the trunk (except the back) and extremities; visceral pain via the white rami of the sympathetic nervous system (T1-L2)a mixed nerve containing both motor and sensory fibers
ventral rootfrom the ventral horn of the spinal cord to the spinal nervenoneto skeletal mm.; preganglionic sympathetic (T1-L2)noneentirely motor in function; located ventral to the denticulate ligament; at all spinal core levels it contains GSE for skeletal mm.; at levels T1-L2 it contains GVE (preganglionic sympathetic) for blood vessels, sweat glands, thoracic viscera, abdominal viscera, pelvic viscera
white ramus communicanscell bodies located in the lateral horn gray matter of spinal cord levels T1-L2; noneaxons contained within white rami communicantes will synapse on postganglionic cell bodies that will ultimately innervate the skin, viscera, glands, blood vessels, etc.pain from viscera is carried back to the spinal cord through the white ramus communicanswhite rami communicantes connect the sympathetic chain to spinal nerves at vertebral levels T1-L2; carries preganglionic sympathetic axons
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