Where are the thoracolumbar preganglionic neuron cell bodies located?

Where are the thoracolumbar preganglionic neuron cell bodies located?

• A. Thoracic and lumbar regions of spinal cord
• B. Brainstem
• C. Cranial nerves
• D. Sacral cord

Answer: (A)

Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic system sit in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord from roughly T1 to L2 (the thoracolumbar region). These neurons send their fibers out to synapse in the sympathetic chain or in prevertebral ganglia. That’s why the thoracic and upper lumbar parts of the spinal cord are the correct location. The brainstem and cranial nerves contain parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, and the sacral spinal cord supplies parasympathetic fibers to pelvic organs, so they are not part of the thoracolumbar outflow.

Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic system sit in the intermediolateral column of the spinal cord from roughly T1 to L2 (the thoracolumbar region). These neurons send their fibers out to synapse in the sympathetic chain or in prevertebral ganglia. That’s why the thoracic and upper lumbar parts of the spinal cord are the correct location. The brainstem and cranial nerves contain parasympathetic preganglionic neurons, and the sacral spinal cord supplies parasympathetic fibers to pelvic organs, so they are not part of the thoracolumbar outflow.