21 - A Dissection of the Sympathetic Chain and Its Distribution

Poster Board Number: 21
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Co-authors:

Elianna Emerson - Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine; Justin Georgi - Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Graduate Studies; Margaret Hall - Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Graduate Studies; Brian Mayer - Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine; Erin Simons - Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Graduate Studies; Dominik Valdez - Midwestern University College of Graduate Studies; Daniel Burrola - Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Abstract Body : Objective: To trace the sympathetic chain and note its distribution compared to the current understanding of anatomy.

Introduction: Current literature describes the sympathetic chain as sets of paravertebral ganglia containing postganglionic sympathetic cell bodies, with ganglia present from levels C1 to Co. In human, all paravertebral ganglia are described as having a gray ramus communicans, whereby postganglionic sympathetic axons travel to the anterior rami to be delivered to the body wall. T1-L2 are described as also having a white ramus communicans, where preganglionic sympathetic axons enter the sympathetic chain. In addition, all paravertebral ganglia from C1 to T5 are reported to extend a cardiopulmonary splanchnic nerve, and all ganglia from T5 to Co are reported to have an abdominopelvic splanchnic nerve.

Methods: Standard dissection techniques were used on one female donor body to visualize each paravertebral ganglia along the spinal column and the associated connections to the CNS and viscera.

Results: We observed bilateral paravertebral ganglia and associated connections. In the neck, we did not observe gray rami communicantes at the superior cervical ganglia (the communication between C1-4), the middle cervical ganglion (C5 and C6) or the stellate ganglion (C7-T1). No cardiopulmonary splanchnic nerves were observed extending from ganglia in the neck. All other splanchnic nerves were observed.

Conclusion: The results of this dissection serve as an example of variation in SNS anatomy, with further studies required to assess the potential variable connections between the CNS, SNS and target organs.