In: Anatomy and Physiology
Which of the following characteristics are part of the parasympathetic nervous system and which are part of the sympathetic nervous system? Also indicate if they are found in both systems: Long preganglionic fibers Innervates the smooth muscle of
blood vessels
Collateral ganglia
Terminal ganglia
The sympathetic nervous system is composed of the autonomic nerves exiting from the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord, whereas the parasympathetic nervous system consists of the nerves emerging from the lower brain stem and the sacral cord.
Long preganglionic fibres
Most innervated blood vessels in the entire body, primarily arterioles and veins, receive only sympatheticnerve fibers. Therefore, vascularsmooth muscle tone are regulated by the sympathetic system only.
Collateral ganglia, also called prevertebral ganglia, are situated anterior to the vertebral column and receive inputs from splanchnic nerves as well as central sympathetic neurons. They are associated with controlling organs in the abdominal cavity. Hence it is part of sympathetic nervous system.
Terminal ganglion
Terminal ganglia are usually parasympathetic ganglion situated on or close to an innervated organ and being the site where preganglionic nerve fibers terminate, hence it is a part of parasympathetic nervous system.