Sympathetic ganglion

Sympathetic Ganglion

The Sympathetic Ganglion is a crucial component of the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system. It is a collection of neuron cell bodies that exist outside the central nervous system and are responsible for transmitting nerve impulses to various organs and tissues in the body.

Structure

Sympathetic ganglia are typically found in pairs on either side of the spinal cord, forming a chain known as the sympathetic chain or sympathetic trunk. Each ganglion in the chain is connected to the spinal cord via a spinal nerve. The ganglia are categorized into two types: paravertebral and prevertebral ganglia.

Paravertebral Ganglia

Paravertebral ganglia are located near the spinal cord and are part of the sympathetic trunk. They are responsible for innervating the heart, lungs, and skin.

Prevertebral Ganglia

Prevertebral ganglia, on the other hand, are located anterior to the spinal cord and closer to the organs they innervate. They primarily innervate the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and genital organs.

Function

The primary function of the sympathetic ganglion is to transmit signals from the brain to various parts of the body, enabling a response to stressful situations. This is often referred to as the body's "fight or flight" response. The sympathetic ganglion plays a key role in this process by releasing norepinephrine and epinephrine, which increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, preparing the body for immediate action.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities or damage to the sympathetic ganglia can lead to various medical conditions, such as Horner's syndrome, autonomic dysreflexia, and complex regional pain syndrome. Understanding the structure and function of the sympathetic ganglion is therefore crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.

See Also

• Autonomic Nervous System
• Parasympathetic Ganglion
• Nervous System