Inferior cervical ganglion

Inferior Cervical Ganglion

The Inferior Cervical Ganglion is a part of the autonomic nervous system that plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological functions. It is one of the three sympathetic ganglia located in the neck region, the other two being the middle cervical ganglion and the superior cervical ganglion.

The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Inferior cervical ganglion labeled at center right.)

Anatomy

The inferior cervical ganglion is typically located at the level of the first thoracic vertebra, near the base of the neck. It is often fused with the first thoracic ganglion to form a structure known as the stellate ganglion. The ganglion contains nerve cell bodies and is connected to the spinal cord through the white rami communicantes and the grey rami communicantes.

Function

The inferior cervical ganglion primarily serves to relay nerve signals from the spinal cord to the heart and lungs. It is involved in the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory rate. The ganglion also sends nerve fibers to the thyroid gland, aiding in the regulation of metabolism.

Clinical Significance

Damage or dysfunction of the inferior cervical ganglion can lead to a range of clinical conditions. These include Horner's syndrome, a condition characterized by drooping of the eyelid, constriction of the pupil, and absence of sweating on the affected side of the face.

Diagram of the cervical sympathetic. (Inferior cervical ganglion labeled at center right.)

See Also

• Sympathetic Nervous System
• Autonomic Ganglia
• Stellate Ganglion