View source for Sympathetic trunk

{{Infobox Nerve |
  Name         = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Latin        = truncus sympathicus |
  GraySubject  = 214 |
  GrayPage     = 976 |
  Image        = Gray847.png |
  Caption      = Abdominal portion of the [[sympathetic trunk]], with the [[celiac plexus]] and [[hypogastric plexus]]. (Sympathetic trunk labeled at center left.) |
  Image2       = Gray799_svg.png |
  Caption2     = Scheme showing structure of a typical [[spinal nerve]]. 1. Somatic efferent. 2. Somatic afferent. 3,4,5. Sympathetic efferent. 6,7. Sympathetic afferent. |
  Innervates   = |
  BranchFrom   = |
  BranchTo     = |
  MeshName     = |
  MeshNumber   = |
  DorlandsPre  = t_20 |
  DorlandsSuf  = 12826120 |
}}

{{SI}}

{{CMG}}



==Overview==

The '''sympathetic trunk''' ('''sympathetic chain''', '''gangliated cord''') is a bundle of nerve fibers that runs from the base of the [[skull]] to the [[coccyx]].  There are two sympathetic trunks in the body, a right one and a left one.  

==Structure==
The sympathetic trunk travels inferiorly from the skull, just lateral to the vertebral bodies.  It interacts with the [[spinal nerves]] or their ventral root by way of [[rami communicantes]].

The superior end of it is continued upward through the [[carotid canal]] into the skull, and forms a [[plexus]] on the [[internal carotid artery]]; the inferior part travels in front of the [[coccyx]], where it converges with the other trunk at a structure known as the [[ganglion impar]].  

Along the length of the sympathetic trunk are [[ganglia]] known as [[paravertebral ganglia]].

==Function==
The sympathetic trunk is a fundamental part of the sympathetic division of the [[autonomic nervous system]].  It allows nerve fibers to travel to spinal nerves that are superior and inferior to the one in which it originated.  Also, a number of nerves, such as most of the [[splanchnic nerves]], arise directly from the trunks.  

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 Image:Spinal nerve.svg|The formation of the spinal nerve from the dorsal and ventral roots. 
 Image:Gray503.png|Transverse section of thorax, showing relations of pulmonary artery.
 Image:Gray829.png|Dissection of side wall of pelvis showing sacral and pudendal plexuses.
 Image:Gray837.png|Sacral plexus of the right side.
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Splanchnic nerves]]
* [[Spinal nerves]]
* [[Autonomic nervous system]]

==External links==
* {{SUNYAnatomyFigs|21|04|04}} - "The position of the right and left vagus nerves, and sympathetic trunks in the mediastinum."
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|43|15|01|02}} - "The Female Pelvis: The Posterolateral Pelvic Wall"
* {{GPnotebook|-1764753348}}
* {{eMedicineDictionary|Sympathetic+trunk}}
* {{UMichAtlas|n3a6p1}} - "Autonomic Connections of the Spinal Cord"
* [http://www.umm.edu/thoracic/images/sym_lg2.jpg Diagram at umm.edu]

{{Gray's}}
{{Autonomic}}
{{Spinal cord}}


[[Category:Nervous system]]

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[[hr:Simpatički lanac]]

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