Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Location, Dissection, and Analysis of the Murine Stellate Ganglion
Published on: December 22, 2020
68Ga-DOTATATE Uptake by Cervicothoracic (Stellate) Ganglia
Zachary Berg1, Bhasker Rao Koppula
1From the Department of Radiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT.
Abstract:
Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT, a functional imaging modality for assessment of well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors, targeting the somatostatin receptors, has essentially replaced the conventional gamma camera-based imaging with In-labeled octreotide. Physiologic distribution, normal variations, and common pitfalls with Ga-DOTATATE imaging have been well described in the literature. Here, we describe uptake of Ga-DOTATATE in 2 different patients at cervicothoracic junction within the stellate ganglia.
Related Concept Videos
Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Sympathetic Pathways: Sympathetic Chain Ganglia
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants
Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Blockers
Sympathetic Pathways: Collateral Ganglia and Adrenal Medulla
Collateral Ganglia
Sympathetic preganglionic axons reach the collateral ganglia along the route of splanchnic nerves. These nerves bypass the sympathetic trunk and communicate with sympathetic postganglionic neurons housed in the prevertebral ganglia. These ganglia supply the organs of the abdominopelvic cavity.
The greater splanchnic nerve, formed by the...

