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Sympathetic chain anatomy ابريل ٢٠١٩ - Coggle Diagram
Sympathetic chain anatomy
ابريل ٢٠١٩
Definition
Sympathetic chain, also known as the sympathetic trunk or sympathetic ganglia, is part of the autonomic nervous system.
It is a paired structure consisting of a series of ganglia located on either side of the vertebral column.
The sympathetic chain plays a crucial role in regulating involuntary bodily functions, including the "fight-or-flight" response.
Position
The sympathetic chain runs parallel to the vertebral column on both sides of the spinal column. It extends from the base of the skull down to the coccyx.
The chain is positioned anteriorly to the vertebral bodies and posteriorly to the prevertebral fascia.
Shape
The sympathetic chain consists of a series of ganglia connected by nerve fibers.
It has a tubular shape resembling a chain or string of pearls.
The ganglia are relatively small and appear as elongated structures.
Embryological Anatomy
During embryonic development, the sympathetic chain arises from neural crest cells, which are a group of cells that migrate from the developing neural tube.
Topographic Anatomy
runs vertically along the anterolateral aspect of the vertebral bodies, with each ganglion corresponding to a specific spinal level.
Histological Anatomy
The ganglia consist of neuronal cell bodies surrounded by glial cells. The nerve fibers within the chain include both preganglionic and postganglionic fibers.
Physiological Anatomy:
The sympathetic chain helps control processes such as heart rate, blood pressure, pupil dilation, sweating, and digestive functions.
Surgical Anatomy:
for procedures that involve sympathetic nervous system
Sympathectomy is a surgical procedure performed to interrupt or modify the sympathetic chain's function.
It is commonly used to treat conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), Raynaud's disease, and certain types of chronic pain
Ganglia and Nerve Fibers:
The sympathetic chain ganglia are named according to their position along the vertebral column, as the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral ganglia.
The nerve fibers within the chain include both preganglionic (coming from the spinal cord) and postganglionic (going to the target organ) fibers
The sympathetic chain consists of a series of ganglia connected by nerve fibers. Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies.
Sympathetic Chain Pathway:
The sympathetic chain runs vertically along the anterolateral aspect of the vertebral bodies.
Each ganglion corresponds to a specific spinal level. The sympathetic chain extends from the base of the skull down to the coccyx.
During surgical procedures, the surgeon needs to identify and locate the specific ganglia or segments of the chain that are relevant to the condition being treated.
Anatomical Complications
Anatomical complications related to the sympathetic chain may arise during surgical procedures or interventions involving the chain.
These complications can include injury to nearby structures, bleeding, or unintended disruption of sympathetic function.
Applied Anatomy
Autonomic Dysfunctions:
The sympathetic chain plays a crucial role in regulating autonomic functions, such as heart rate, blood pressure, pupil dilation, and sweating.
Dysfunctions of the sympathetic chain can lead to conditions like autonomic dysreflexia, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an abnormal and exaggerated sympathetic response to certain stimuli.
Horner's Syndrome:
-ِ A clinical condition caused by damage or interruption to the sympathetic pathway.
Combination of symptoms, including ptosis, miosis, and anhidrosis on one side of the face.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS):
A chronic pain condition that can occur after an injury or trauma.
It is believed to involve dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Understanding the applied anatomy of the sympathetic chain is crucial for diagnosing and managing CRPS, as interventions such as sympathetic nerve blocks or sympathectomy may be considered as part of the treatment.
Interventional Procedures:
The applied anatomy of the sympathetic chain is relevant for various interventional procedures targeting the sympathetic nervous system.
These procedures include sympathetic nerve blocks, in which local anesthetics or other medications are injected near the sympathetic ganglia to alleviate pain or manage other conditions.
Knowledge of the precise anatomy and location of the sympathetic chain aids in performing these procedures safely and effectively.