Ciliospinal center

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Ciliospinal center

The ciliospinal center is a cluster of neurons located in the spinal cord that plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system. It is specifically involved in the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for the ciliospinal reflex, which is the dilation of the pupil in response to pain or stress.

Anatomy and Location

The ciliospinal center is situated in the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord, spanning the segments from C8 to T2. This region is part of the thoracolumbar outflow of the sympathetic nervous system.

Function

The primary function of the ciliospinal center is to mediate the ciliospinal reflex. When a painful stimulus is applied to the skin, the sensory information is transmitted to the spinal cord, where it activates the neurons in the ciliospinal center. These neurons then send signals via the sympathetic chain to the superior cervical ganglion, which in turn innervates the dilator pupillae muscle of the eye, causing pupil dilation.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the ciliospinal center or its pathways can result in Horner's syndrome, a condition characterized by ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis. This can occur due to various reasons, including spinal cord injury, tumors, or vascular disorders.

Related Structures

• Intermediolateral cell column
• Sympathetic chain
• Superior cervical ganglion
• Dilator pupillae muscle

See Also

• Autonomic nervous system
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Ciliospinal reflex
• Horner's syndrome