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Related Concept Videos

Sympathetic Division of the ANS01:19

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The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in preparing the body for stress, physical activity, and increased energy demands. This division activates the "fight-or-flight" response, enabling individuals to respond effectively to challenging situations.
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Sympathetic signaling, a vital part of the autonomic nervous system, plays a crucial role in mobilizing the body's resources in response to stress or emergencies. It involves the transmission of nerve impulses from sympathetic preganglionic fibers to postganglionic fibers. This results in the release of specific neurotransmitters and activation of adrenergic receptors.
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The sympathetic chain ganglia, also known as the sympathetic trunk ganglia or paravertebral ganglia, are a series of ganglia located bilaterally on either side of the spinal column. These ganglia serve as relay stations for the sympathetic nervous system. Preganglionic neurons originating in the spinal cord project their axons to the sympathetic chain ganglia. Within the ganglia, these preganglionic fibers synapse with postganglionic neurons.The postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic trunk...
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The sympathetic pathways of the collateral ganglia and adrenal medulla serve unique but interconnected roles in the sympathetic response.
Collateral Ganglia
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The cranial part of the parasympathetic division plays a crucial role in regulating the visceral functions of the head and specific structures in the neck, thoracic, and abdominopelvic cavities. Preganglionic fibers of the parasympathetic division exit the brain through cranial nerves III (oculomotor), VII (facial), IX (glossopharyngeal), and X (vagus), delivering parasympathetic output to the respective visceral structures.
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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

Efficient Differentiation of Postganglionic Sympathetic Neurons using Human Pluripotent Stem Cells under Feeder-free and Chemically Defined Culture Conditions
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Sympathetic preganglionic neurons: properties and inputs.

Susan A Deuchars1, Varinder K Lall

  • 1School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom.

Comprehensive Physiology
|April 17, 2015
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in the spinal cord control autonomic responses. Their complex inputs and intrinsic activity generate rhythmic sympathetic outflow, crucial for homeostasis.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Autonomic Nervous System Physiology

Background:

  • The sympathetic nervous system regulates homeostasis and environmental responses.
  • Sympathetic preganglionic neurons (SPNs) in the spinal cord are the final central nervous system output for sympathetic control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the complexity of sympathetic control at the spinal cord level.
  • To explore the morphology, intrinsic properties, and inputs of SPNs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of SPN morphology, intrinsic properties, and inputs.
  • Analysis of gap junction coupling and receptor-mediated influences on SPNs.

Main Results:

  • SPNs exhibit diverse morphology and intrinsic properties, indicating functional specialization.
  • Gap junctions mediate coupled activity, enabling rapid, coordinated, and rhythmic sympathetic outflow.
  • Afferent, descending, and interneuronal inputs, modulated by diverse receptors, finely tune SPN activity.

Conclusions:

  • Sympathetic control at the spinal cord level is highly complex.
  • The interplay of SPN intrinsic properties, coupled activity, and diverse inputs generates rhythmic sympathetic outflow with adaptable frequencies.