A patient scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting undergoes an injection near the first rib and the transverse process of C7 to interrupt sympathetic input to the heart. The ganglion targeted here is formed by the fusion of which structures?
- A Inferior cervical ganglion and the first thoracic ganglion ✓
- B Middle cervical ganglion and the ansa subclavia
- C Superior cervical ganglion and the middle cervical ganglion
- D First and second thoracic ganglia
Correct answer: A. Inferior cervical ganglion and the first thoracic ganglion
Explanation
The stellate ganglion is formed by fusion of the inferior cervical ganglion with the first thoracic ganglion, and it lies at the level of the C7-T1 vertebrae anterior to the neck of the first rib. Blocking it reduces sympathetic drive to the heart and is used for refractory ventricular arrhythmias. The middle cervical ganglion is separate and lies at C6, connected by the ansa subclavia, so option B describes neighbouring but distinct structures.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.