Lateral horn
Encyclopedia
In the thoracic region, the postero-lateral part of the anterior column projects lateralward as a triangular field, which is named the lateral column (lateral cornu, lateral horn).
) ganglia, white rami and dorsal roots to synapse with cells of the intermediolateral cell column. These cells then give rise to preganglionic GVE fibers which will pass through ventral spinal roots, white rami, and into paravertebral ganglia where some will synapse, thus sending unmyelinated, postganglionic fibers through gray rami and into peripheral nerves. Those fibers that do not synapse in the paravertebral ganglia will eventually synapse at prevertebral ganglia near target viscera. Postganglionic neurons in the prevertebral ganglia send postganglionic fibers to target tissues.
In the upper part of the cervical region and lower part of the medulla oblongata
as well as in the third and fourth sacral segments this column is again differentiated.
In the medulla it is known as the lateral nucleus
.
The cells of this column are fusiform or star-shaped, and of a medium size: the axons of some of them pass into the anterior nerve roots, by which they are carried to the sympathetic nerves: they constitute the white rami and are sympathetic
or visceral efferent fibers; they are also known as preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic system; the axons of others pass into the anterior and lateral funiculi, where they become longitudinal.
Nerve Cells in the Lateral Column
These form a column (the intermediolateral cell column) which is best marked where the lateral gray column is differentiated, viz., in the thoracic region; but it can be traced throughout the entire length of the medulla spinalis (aka: spinal cord) in the form of groups of small cells which are situated in the anterior part of the formatio reticularis. The intermediolateral cell column exists at vertebral levels T1 - L2 and mediates the entire sympathetic innervation of the body. Preganglionic, myelinated GVA fibers from viscera course through prevertebral and paravertebral (sympatheticSympathetic ganglia
Sympathetic ganglia are the ganglia of the sympathetic nervous system. They deliver information to the body about stress and impending danger, and are responsible for the familiar fight-or-flight response. They contain approximately 20000–30000 nerve cell bodies and are located close to and...
) ganglia, white rami and dorsal roots to synapse with cells of the intermediolateral cell column. These cells then give rise to preganglionic GVE fibers which will pass through ventral spinal roots, white rami, and into paravertebral ganglia where some will synapse, thus sending unmyelinated, postganglionic fibers through gray rami and into peripheral nerves. Those fibers that do not synapse in the paravertebral ganglia will eventually synapse at prevertebral ganglia near target viscera. Postganglionic neurons in the prevertebral ganglia send postganglionic fibers to target tissues.
In the upper part of the cervical region and lower part of the medulla oblongata
Medulla oblongata
The medulla oblongata is the lower half of the brainstem. In discussions of neurology and similar contexts where no ambiguity will result, it is often referred to as simply the medulla...
as well as in the third and fourth sacral segments this column is again differentiated.
In the medulla it is known as the lateral nucleus
Lateral nucleus
Lateral nucleus can refer to:* Lateral hypothalamus* Lateral vestibular nucleus...
.
The cells of this column are fusiform or star-shaped, and of a medium size: the axons of some of them pass into the anterior nerve roots, by which they are carried to the sympathetic nerves: they constitute the white rami and are sympathetic
Sympathetic nervous system
The sympathetic nervous system is one of the three parts of the autonomic nervous system, along with the enteric and parasympathetic systems. Its general action is to mobilize the body's nervous system fight-or-flight response...
or visceral efferent fibers; they are also known as preganglionic fibers of the sympathetic system; the axons of others pass into the anterior and lateral funiculi, where they become longitudinal.