Which statement about the grey rami communicantes is correct?
- A They contain preganglionic fibres and exist only from T1 to L2
- B They carry only visceral afferent fibres returning to the spinal cord
- C They contain postganglionic fibres and are present at all levels of the sympathetic trunk ✓
- D They connect the sympathetic trunk exclusively to the ventral rami of thoracic nerves
Correct answer: C. They contain postganglionic fibres and are present at all levels of the sympathetic trunk
Explanation
Grey rami carry unmyelinated postganglionic sympathetic fibres from the sympathetic trunk back into every spinal nerve, so they exist at cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral and coccygeal levels. White rami, carrying myelinated preganglionic fibres, are limited to T1 to L2 because that is where the lateral horn lies. This contrast is the standard examination distinction: white rami are restricted in extent, grey rami are universal. Grey rami also distribute to dorsal rami, not just ventral rami.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
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