Craniosacral preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in which locations?

Craniosacral preganglionic neuron cell bodies are located in which locations?

• A. Brainstem and sacral spinal cord
• B. Brainstem and thoracic cord
• C. Spinal cord only
• D. Brain cortex and thalamus

Answer: (A)

Craniosacral preganglionic neurons are part of the parasympathetic division. Their cell bodies are located in the brainstem and in the sacral segments of the spinal cord (S2–S4). In the brainstem, they reside in nuclei associated with cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X, sending preganglionic fibers to terminal or intramural ganglia near or inside target organs. In the sacral region, preganglionic neurons are located in the sacral spinal cord and project to pelvic ganglia that innervate pelvic organs. The thoracic cord contains sympathetic preganglionic neurons, not craniosacral ones, and the brain cortex and thalamus are higher processing centers, not where autonomic preganglionic cell bodies reside.

Craniosacral preganglionic neurons are part of the parasympathetic division. Their cell bodies are located in the brainstem and in the sacral segments of the spinal cord (S2–S4). In the brainstem, they reside in nuclei associated with cranial nerves III, VII, IX, and X, sending preganglionic fibers to terminal or intramural ganglia near or inside target organs. In the sacral region, preganglionic neurons are located in the sacral spinal cord and project to pelvic ganglia that innervate pelvic organs. The thoracic cord contains sympathetic preganglionic neurons, not craniosacral ones, and the brain cortex and thalamus are higher processing centers, not where autonomic preganglionic cell bodies reside.