Module - Autonomics of the Abdomen


	Learning Modules - Medical Gross Anatomy Autonomics of the Abdomen - Page 16 of 16

Summary
Sympathetic supply (vasoconstriction and inhibition of peristalsis): greater thoracic splanchnic n. (T5-9) - synapses in celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia, some presynaptic fibers reach suprarenal medulla; postsynaptic fibers supply caudal foregut and midgut lesser thoracic splanchnic n. (T10-11) - synapses in aorticorenal ganglion; postsynaptic fibers pass primarily into renal plexus least thoracic splanchnic n. (T12) - passes into renal plexus lumbar splanchnic nn. - L1-2 pass into intermesenteric plexus primarily, synapsing in inferior mesenteric ganglion and supplying hindgut; L3-4 pass into superior hypogastric plexus and into pelvis gray rami communicantes - L1-5 pass into lumbar ventral primary rami to innervate vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, and sweat glands in portions of the body wall and lower limb supplied by L1-5
Parasympathetic supply (stimulates peristalsis and secretomotor to glands): anterior vagal trunk - gastric and hepatic branches; supplies stomach and liver/gall bladder posterior vagal trunk - gastric and celiac branches; supplies stomach and remainder of caudal foregut and midgut (distribution of superior mesenteric a.) pelvic splanchnic nn. - send branches through fusion fascia to reach hindgut (from distal one-third of transverse colon to anal canal)

Summary

Sympathetic supply (vasoconstriction and inhibition of peristalsis):

greater thoracic splanchnic n. (T5-9) - synapses in celiac and superior mesenteric ganglia, some presynaptic fibers reach suprarenal medulla; postsynaptic fibers supply caudal foregut and midgut
lesser thoracic splanchnic n. (T10-11) - synapses in aorticorenal ganglion; postsynaptic fibers pass primarily into renal plexus
least thoracic splanchnic n. (T12) - passes into renal plexus
lumbar splanchnic nn. - L1-2 pass into intermesenteric plexus primarily, synapsing in inferior mesenteric ganglion and supplying hindgut; L3-4 pass into superior hypogastric plexus and into pelvis
gray rami communicantes - L1-5 pass into lumbar ventral primary rami to innervate vascular smooth muscle, arrector pili muscles, and sweat glands in portions of the body wall and lower limb supplied by L1-5

Parasympathetic supply (stimulates peristalsis and secretomotor to glands):

anterior vagal trunk - gastric and hepatic branches; supplies stomach and liver/gall bladder
posterior vagal trunk - gastric and celiac branches; supplies stomach and remainder of caudal foregut and midgut (distribution of superior mesenteric a.)
pelvic splanchnic nn. - send branches through fusion fascia to reach hindgut (from distal one-third of transverse colon to anal canal)

Learning Modules - Medical Gross Anatomy
Autonomics of the Abdomen - Page 16 of 16