Sympathetic Path to Abdominal Viscera
Head
Neck
Body Wall
Thorax
Abdomen
Pelvis


Origin:
   thoracic & lumbar segments (T7-L2)

Preganglionic Pathway:
   ventral root, spinal nerve,
   ramus communicans, symp. trunk,
   major & minor splanchnic nerves,
   also, lumbar splanchnic nerves

Ganglion:
   prevertebral ganglia within plexuses:
   celiac, cranial & caudal mesenteric,
   gonadal, renal; also, adrenal medulla

Postganglionic Pathway:
   nerve plexuses on abdominal vessels
   (e.g., splenic, middle colic, renal, etc.)

Target Organs:
      alimentary smooth m. & glands;
      liver; pancreas;
      blood vessel smooth muscle


pre-ganglionic path post-ganglionic path


Cadaver Images
(click to view enlarged)

Left. The major splanchnic nerve can be seen innervating the adrenal gland, left celiac ganglion, and cranial mesenteric ganglion in the dog. The dorsal vagal nerve trunk can be seen joining the celiaco-mesenteric nerve plexus.

Right. The celiaco-mesenteric plexus of a cat is shown receiving input from the major splanchnic nerve. Celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries are visible, as are the adrenal gland, kidney, stomach, and spleen.



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