Autonomic Ganglia
2 major groups: Sympathetic Ganglia and Parasympathetic Ganglia .
1) Sympathetic Ganglia : these are sites of synapses between sympathetic preganglionic neurons and sympathetic postganglionic neurons
a. Paravertebral Ganglia aka Sympathetic Trunk Ganglia Aka Vertebral Chain Ganglia
These ganglia lie in a vertical row on either side of the vertebral column extending from the base of the skull to the coccyx. Postganglionic neurons from the sympathetic trunk mostly innervate organs cranial to the diaphragm. (The sympathetic trunk ganglia in the neck have specific names: cranial, middle, and caudal cervical ganglia) Postganglionic neurons leaving the superior cervical ganglia serve the head (eyes & salivary glands) and heart. Postganglionic neurons leaving the middle and inferior cervical ganglia innervate the heart. Postganglionic neurons from the thoracic sympathetic trunk innervate the heart, lungs, bronchi, and other thoracic viscera.
b. Prevertebral Ganglia
These ganglia lie ventral to the vertebral column and close to large abdominal arteries. In general, postganglionic neurons from prevertebral ganglia innervate organs caudal to the diaphragm. There are 3 major prevertebral ganglia: Celiac, Superior Mesenteric & Inferior Mesenteric
c. Miscellaneous Ganglia
These ganglia are scattered along the aorta or located near other organs. These ganglia include aortic, renal & adrenal
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