The celiac plexus receives preganglionic sympathetic fibers primarily from which spinal cord segments?

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

Explanation

The celiac plexus receives preganglionic sympathetic fibers predominantly via the greater splanchnic nerve (arising from T5–T9 lateral horn neurons). The greater splanchnic nerve passes through the diaphragm and synapses in the celiac ganglia. The lesser splanchnic nerve (T10–T11) supplies the aorticorenal ganglion; the least splanchnic nerve (T12) supplies the renal plexus. Lumbar splanchnics (L1–L2) supply pelvic organs via the superior hypogastric plexus. Celiac plexus block is used for intractable pain from upper abdominal malignancies (pancreatic cancer).

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.