Thoracic splanchnic nerves

Thoracic splanchnic nerves are splanchnic nerves that arise from the sympathetic trunk in the thoracic region. They carry sympathetic innervation to the abdomen. The nerves contain preganglionic sympathetic fibers and some sensory fibers from the organs that they supply.

Etymology

The term "splanchnic" comes from the Greek word "splanchna," which means "entrails." The term "thoracic" refers to the thorax or chest region of the body.

Anatomy

The thoracic splanchnic nerves include the greater, lesser, and least (or lowest) splanchnic nerves.

• The Greater splanchnic nerve arises from the fifth to the ninth or tenth thoracic ganglia. It descends obliquely on the bodies of the vertebrae and passes through the diaphragm to the celiac ganglion.
• The Lesser splanchnic nerve arises from the ninth and tenth, or tenth and eleventh thoracic ganglia. It ends in the aorticorenal ganglion and the smallest in the renal plexus.
• The Least splanchnic nerve arises from the last thoracic ganglion and ends in the renal plexus.

Function

The thoracic splanchnic nerves carry sympathetic fibers to the abdominal viscera. They also carry sensory information from these organs back to the central nervous system. The greater splanchnic nerve carries fibers that innervate the stomach, liver, gallbladder, spleen, kidney, small intestine, and the ascending and transverse colon. The lesser and least splanchnic nerves innervate the lower half of the large intestine and the pelvic organs.

Clinical significance

Damage to the thoracic splanchnic nerves can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on which organs are affected. This can include abdominal pain, changes in heart rate, and changes in digestive function. In some cases, these nerves may be cut in a surgical procedure known as a splanchnicectomy to reduce pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis or other forms of abdominal pain.

See also

• Sympathetic nervous system
• Splanchnic nerves
• Celiac ganglia

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