The cell bodies of preganglionic sympathetic neurons are located in which region of the spinal cord?

• A Intermediolateral cell column of T1 to L2 segments ✓
• B Lateral horn of S2 to S4 segments
• C Anterior grey horn throughout the cord
• D Intermediomedial cell column of C5 to T1 segments

Explanation

Sympathetic preganglionic neurons form the intermediolateral cell column in the lateral grey horn from T1 to L2, the thoracolumbar outflow. Option B describes the sacral parasympathetic (craniosacral) outflow, the classic distractor. The cervical cord has no lateral horn, so option D is anatomically impossible, and anterior horn cells are somatic motor, not autonomic.

Reference: Ganong's Review of Medical Physiology, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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