Central Autonomic System - Autonomic Nervous System

Central Autonomic System

We distinguish between a peripheral and a central autonomic nervous system. The central cell groups of the sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous systems lie in different regions. Parasympathetic neurons form nuclei in the brain stem :

!  The Edinger-Westphal nucleus (A3)

!  The salivatory nuclei (A4)

!   The dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve (A5)

The sacral spinal cord also contains para-sympathetic neurons (A6). The sympathetic neurons occupy the lateral horn in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments of the spinal cord (A7). Localization of the parasympathetic nuclei is therefore craniosacral, while that of the sympatheticnuclei is thoracolumbar.

The highest integration organ of the auto-nomic nervous system is the hypothalamus. It also regulates the endocrine glands through its connection to the hypophysis, and it coordinates the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system. Cell groups in the reticular formation of the brain stem alsoparticipate in the central regulation of organ functions (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure).

A8 Sympathetic trunk.

A9 Superior cervical ganglion.

A10 Stellate ganglion (cervicothoracic ganglion).

A11 Celiac ganglion.

A12 Superior mesenteric ganglion.

A13 Inferior mesenteric ganglion.

A14 Hypogastric plexus.

A15 Greater splanchnic nerve.