The stellate ganglion, targeted in some procedures for complex regional pain syndrome, is formed by the fusion of which two structures?

• A Inferior cervical and first thoracic sympathetic ganglia ✓
• B Middle and inferior cervical sympathetic ganglia
• C Superior and middle cervical sympathetic ganglia
• D First and second thoracic sympathetic ganglia

Explanation

The cervicothoracic (stellate) ganglion results from fusion of the inferior cervical ganglion with the first thoracic ganglion, typically lying anterior to the neck of the first rib and the transverse process of C7. The middle cervical ganglion remains separate on the anterior scalene muscle, and the superior cervical ganglion lies at the skull base supplying the head. Thoracic ganglia below T1 remain discrete paired structures.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.