Lateral horn of spinal cord

Lateral Horn of Spinal Cord

The lateral horn of the spinal cord is a region of the spinal cord that is primarily involved in the autonomic nervous system. It is located in the intermediate zone of the spinal cord's gray matter, specifically in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments (T1 to L2).

Anatomy

The lateral horn is a small, pointed projection of gray matter that extends laterally from the central part of the spinal cord. It is situated between the dorsal horn and the ventral horn. The lateral horn contains the cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic neurons, which are part of the sympathetic nervous system.

Function

The primary function of the lateral horn is to house the cell bodies of the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. These neurons send their axons out through the ventral root to synapse with postganglionic neurons in the sympathetic ganglia. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response, regulating functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the lateral horn can result in a loss of sympathetic function, which may lead to conditions such as Horner's syndrome or autonomic dysreflexia. These conditions can cause symptoms like ptosis, miosis, anhidrosis, and severe hypertension.

Related Structures

• Dorsal horn
• Ventral horn
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Spinal cord

See Also

• Gray matter
• White matter
• Central nervous system
• Peripheral nervous system