The celiac ganglion receives preganglionic sympathetic fibers from which spinal cord levels, and these fibers travel via which nerve?

• A T10–T11 via the lesser splanchnic nerve
• B L1–L2 via the lumbar splanchnic nerves
• C T1–T4 via the cardiopulmonary splanchnic nerves
• D T5–T9 via the greater splanchnic nerve ✓

Explanation

Preganglionic sympathetic fibers from T5–T9 (or T5–T10 in some texts) form the greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) by piercing the diaphragm to synapse in the celiac ganglion. Post-ganglionic fibers from the celiac ganglion then distribute along the celiac axis to supply midgut derivatives (foregut: stomach, proximal duodenum, liver, spleen, pancreas). The lesser splanchnic nerve (T10–T11) synapses in the superior mesenteric and aorticorenal ganglia. Lumbar splanchnic nerves supply the inferior mesenteric ganglion. T1–T4 fibers form the cardiac accelerator nerves.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.