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The high thoracic sympathetic nerve system--its anatomic variability
The Journal of Surgical Research
|February 1, 1986
Summary
Thoracic sympathectomy effectiveness is impacted by higher-than-expected anatomical variability. A complex network of nerves and nerve cells connecting the sympathetic and spinal nervous systems was observed in surgical specimens.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Thoracic sympathectomy is a surgical procedure targeting the sympathetic nervous system.
- Previous anatomical descriptions may not fully capture the complexity of sympathetic-spinal nerve connections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system in relation to the spinal nervous system.
- To assess the anatomical variability in upper thoracic sympathectomy specimens.
Main Methods:
- Microscopic and macroscopic examination of 18 upper thoracic sympathectomy resection preparations.
- Detailed analysis of nerve bundle networks and cellular structures.
Main Results:
- Significant anatomical variability in the sympathetic and spinal nervous system connections was observed.
- A dense network of small and large nerve bundles interconnecting these systems was identified.
- Light microscopical perikarya were present within numerous nerve bundles.
Conclusions:
- The intricate anatomical network challenges previous understandings of thoracic sympathectomy.
- Findings suggest a need to reconsider the conceptualization of thoracic sympathectomy effectiveness due to anatomical complexity.