Splanchnic nerves
Nerves of the autonomic nervous system, with splanchnic nerves seen in center.
Identifiers
MeSHD013153
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The splanchnic nerves are paired visceral nerves (nerves that contribute to the innervation of the internal organs), carrying fibers of the autonomic nervous system (visceral efferent fibers) as well as sensory fibers from the organs (visceral afferent fibers). All carry sympathetic fibers except for the pelvic splanchnic nerves, which carry parasympathetic fibers.

Types

The term splanchnic nerves can refer to:

Comparison
Nerve Pre-/postsynaptic[2] autonomic system[2] Origin[2] Targets[2]
Cardiopulmonary nerves Postsynaptic sympathetic cervical and upper thoracic ganglia Thoracic cavity
Thoracic splanchnic nerves generally Presynaptic lower thoracic ganglia Prevertebral ganglia
Greater splanchnic nerve T5–T9 or T10 Celiac ganglia
Lesser splanchnic nerve T10–T11 Superior mesenteric ganglia and Aorticorenal ganglia
Least splanchnic nerve T12 Renal plexus
Lumbar splanchnic nerves L1–2 Inferior mesenteric ganglia, ganglia of intermesenteric and hypogastric plexuses
Sacral splanchnic nerves sacral part of sympathetic trunk inferior hypogastric plexus and ganglia to the pelvic viscera
Pelvic splanchnic nerves parasympathetic S2–S4 intrinsic ganglia of descending and sigmoid colon, rectum, and inferior hypogastric plexus and ganglia to the pelvic viscera

References

  1. ^ Essential Clinical Anatomy. K.L. Moore & A.M. Agur. Lippincott, 3 ed. 2007. Page 181
  2. ^ a b c d Unless else specified in boxes, then ref is: Essential Clinical Anatomy. K.L. Moore & A.M. Agur. Lippincott, 3 ed. 2007. Page 181
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