Topic: Central and Peripheral Autonomic Nervous System: Gross and clinical anatomy of ventricles of the brain
Question: Describe the cervical part of the sympathetic chain.
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The cervical part of the sympathetic chain is a component of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. It is located on either side of the cervical vertebrae, extending from the base of the skull to the first thoracic vertebra.
The cervical part of the sympathetic chain consists of three ganglia: the superior cervical ganglion, the middle cervical ganglion, and the inferior cervical ganglion (also known as the stellate ganglion).
- Superior cervical ganglion:
The superior cervical ganglion is the largest of the three cervical ganglia and is located at the level of the second and third cervical vertebrae. It receives preganglionic fibers from the upper thoracic segments of the spinal cord and provides postganglionic fibers to the head and neck.
The postganglionic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion innervate the blood vessels, sweat glands, and pupillary dilator muscles of the eye. They also provide sympathetic innervation to the salivary glands, the pharynx, and the larynx.
- Middle cervical ganglion:
The middle cervical ganglion is located at the level of the sixth cervical vertebra and is often small or absent in some individuals. It receives preganglionic fibers from the middle thoracic segments of the spinal cord and provides postganglionic fibers to the heart and lungs.
- Inferior cervical ganglion (stellate ganglion):
The inferior cervical ganglion, also known as the stellate ganglion, is formed by the fusion of the inferior cervical ganglion and the first thoracic ganglion. It is located at the level of the seventh cervical vertebra and receives preganglionic fibers from the lower thoracic and upper lumbar segments of the spinal cord.
The postganglionic fibers from the stellate ganglion provide sympathetic innervation to the head, neck, and upper extremities. They also innervate the blood vessels, sweat glands, and piloerector muscles of the skin.
The stellate ganglion is a common site for sympathetic blockade, a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain pain conditions, such as complex regional pain syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy.
