Lateral horns of the spinal cord

Lateral Horns of the Spinal Cord

The lateral horns of the spinal cord are a component of the gray matter in the spinal cord. They are primarily found in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments (T1 to L2) of the spinal cord. The lateral horns are involved in the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system.

Structure

The lateral horns are located in the intermediate zone of the spinal cord, between the dorsal horn and the ventral horn. They contain the cell bodies of preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system. These neurons project their axons through the ventral roots to the sympathetic ganglia, which are part of the sympathetic chain.

Function

The primary function of the lateral horns is to mediate the autonomic functions of the body. The neurons in the lateral horns are responsible for the fight-or-flight response, which includes increasing heart rate, dilating the pupils, and redirecting blood flow to the muscles.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the lateral horns can result in a loss of sympathetic function, which can affect various bodily functions such as thermoregulation, blood pressure, and heart rate. Conditions such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis can impact the lateral horns and lead to autonomic dysfunction.

Related Pages

• Spinal cord
• Gray matter
• Sympathetic nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Dorsal horn
• Ventral horn
• Preganglionic neuron
• Sympathetic ganglia
• Sympathetic chain
• Spinal cord injury
• Multiple sclerosis