sympathetic nervous system

Introduction

Also see autonomic nervous system. Presynaptic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system have their cell bodies in the intermediolateral column of T1-L2. The sympathetic ganglia are the paravertebral ganglia of the sympathetic trunk & the lumbar & sacral prevertebral or collateral ganglia. Postsynaptic (postganglionic) neurons typically use noradrenaline as a neurotransmitter. Exception is sweat glands.

More general terms

• autonomic nervous system

Additional terms

• sympatholytic; alpha & beta blockers; adrenergic neuron inhibitors; adrenolytic
• sympathomimetic (alpha & beta agonists)

Components

• sympathetic trunk (ganglionic chain)