The preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division begin in the and regions of the spinal cord.
Question
The preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division begin in the ___ and ___ regions of the spinal cord.
Solution
In the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, the preganglionic neurons primarily originate from the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. This is often referred to as the thoracolumbar outflow.
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Location of Preganglionic Neurons:
- The sympathetic preganglionic neurons are located in the lateral horns of the spinal cord within the thoracic (T1–T12) and lumbar (L1–L2) segments.
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Function:
- These neurons are responsible for transmitting signals that prepare the body for "fight or flight" responses during stressful situations. They send axons out of the spinal cord to synapse with postganglionic neurons in sympathetic ganglia.
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Sympathetic Chain:
- From the ganglia, the signals can then be distributed to various parts of the body, facilitating rapid physiological responses such as increased heart rate, dilation of airways, and inhibition of digestive processes.
In summary, the preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic division begin in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and play a critical role in the body's response to stress.
Similar Questions
The first neuron of the efferent motor pathway of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions has its cell body in the nervous system.
Postganglionic neurons in the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system release at their synapses.
The ___ nervous system arises from a thoraco-lumbar origin.Group of answer choicesparasympatheticsympathetic
The spinal cord is part of the __________Blank nervous system.Multiple Choiceautonomicperipheralsomaticcentral
The sympathetic nervous system has:Long presynaptic neuronsUnmyelinated presynaptic neuronsShort presynaptic neuronsShort postsynaptic neurons
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