Sample “pathway” questions:
1. Describe the pathway followed by sympathetic nerve supply to the blood vessels
in the arms. Include the location of all cell bodies, ganglia, axons, etc.
The cell body of the preganglionic neuron is located in the lateral gray horn of the
thoracic/lumbar regions of the spinal cord. The axon of the neuron passes out the
ventral root of the spinal nerve and into the white ramus of the sympathetic chain. In
the sympathetic chain ganglion, it will synapse with the cell body of the ganglionic
neuron. The axon of the ganglionic neuron will pass through the gray ramus of the
sympathetic chain, and then join the spinal nerve to reach the blood vessels of the
arms.
2. Describe the pathway followed by sympathetic nerve supply to the heart. Include
the location of all cell bodies, ganglia, axons, etc.
The cell body of the preganglionic neuron is located in the lateral gray horn of the
thoracic/lumbar regions of the spinal cord. The axon of the neuron passes out the
ventral root of the spinal nerve and into the white ramus of the sympathetic chain. In
the sympathetic chain ganglion, it will synapse with the cell body of the ganglionic
neuron. The axon of the ganglionic neuron will pass out of the sympathetic chain via
sympathetic nerves which travel to the heart.
3. Describe the pathway followed by sympathetic nerve supply to the small intestine.
Include the location of all cell bodies, ganglia, axons, etc.
The cell body of the preganglionic neuron is located in the lateral gray horn of the
thoracic/lumbar regions of the spinal cord. The axon of the neuron passes out the
ventral root of the spinal nerve and into the white ramus of the sympathetic chain. It
then leaves the sympathetic chain via splanchnic nerves to the superior mesenteric
ganglion. Here, it will synapse with the cell body of a ganglionic neuron which will
then travel to the small intestine.
4. Describe the pathway followed by parasympathetic nerve supply to the urinary
bladder. Include the location of all cell bodies, ganglia, axons, etc.
The cell body of the preganglionic neuron is located in the sacral regions of the spinal
cord. The axon of the neuron passes out the ventral root of the spinal nerve and joins
pelvic nerves which supply the urinary bladder. In the wall of the bladder, it will
synapse with the cell body of the ganglionic neuron, which then acts upon the smooth
muscle of the bladder.