Thoracic splanchnic nerves are
splanchnic nerves
The splanchnic nerves are paired visceral nerves (nerves that contribute to the innervation of the internal organs), carrying fibers of the autonomic nervous system ( visceral efferent fibers) as well as sensory fibers from the organs ( visceral a ...
that arise from the
sympathetic trunk
The sympathetic trunks (sympathetic chain, gangliated cord) are a paired bundle of nerve fibers that run from the base of the skull to the coccyx. They are a major component of the sympathetic nervous system.
Structure
The sympathetic trunk lies j ...
in the
thorax
The thorax or chest is a part of the anatomy of humans, mammals, and other tetrapod animals located between the neck and the abdomen. In insects, crustaceans, and the extinct trilobites, the thorax is one of the three main divisions of the c ...
and travel inferiorly to provide sympathetic supply to the
abdomen
The abdomen (colloquially called the belly, tummy, midriff, tucky or stomach) is the part of the body between the thorax (chest) and pelvis, in humans and in other vertebrates. The abdomen is the front part of the abdominal segment of the to ...
. The nerves contain
preganglionic sympathetic
In the autonomic nervous system, fibers from the CNS to the ganglion are known as preganglionic fibers. All preganglionic fibers, whether they are in the sympathetic division or in the parasympathetic division, are cholinergic (that is, these f ...
fibers and
general visceral afferent fibers.
Nerves
There are three main thoracic splanchnic nerves.
Additional images
File:Greater splanchnic nerve.png, Greater splanchnic nerve, seen in thoracic cavity
The thoracic cavity (or chest cavity) is the chamber of the body of vertebrates that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia). The central compartment of the thoracic cavity is the mediastinum. There ...
seen from left side.
File:Gray848.png, The celiac ganglia with the sympathetic plexuses of the abdominal viscera radiating from the ganglia.
File:Gray1120.png, The relations of the viscera and large vessels of the abdomen. Seen from behind, the last thoracic vertebra being well raised.
File:Slide2zzzz.JPG, Thoracic splanchnic nerves
References
External links
* – "The position of the right and left vagus nerves, and sympathetic trunks in the mediastinum."
* – "Posterior Abdominal Wall: The Celiac Plexus"
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{{Authority control
Sympathetic nervous system