Intermediate Greater Thoracic Splanchnic Nerve Quiz

Q1. Which spinal cord levels are the main source of preganglionic sympathetic neurons whose fibers enter the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve?

• S2 through S4
• C1 through C4
• Approximately T5 through T9
• L4 through S1

Q2. Where are the cell bodies of the preganglionic sympathetic neurons carried by the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve located?

• Vagal sensory ganglia
• Dorsal root ganglia
• Celiac ganglia
• Intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord

Q3. What happens to most preganglionic fibers destined for the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve when they enter the sympathetic trunk?

• They enter the vagus nerve
• They pass through without synapsing
• They become somatic motor fibers
• They all synapse immediately in the sympathetic trunk

Q4. Which structure lies lateral to the vertebral bodies and gives rise to the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve?

• Sympathetic trunk
• Thoracic duct
• Vagus nerve
• Esophagus

Q5. Which direction does the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve generally follow after its formation?

• Directly anteriorly
• Inferomedially
• Directly superiorly
• Superolaterally

Q6. Through which part of the diaphragm does the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve commonly enter the abdomen?

• Caval opening
• Central tendon
• Esophageal hiatus with the vagal trunks
• Crus of the diaphragm

Q7. Which prevertebral ganglia receive major contributions from the greater thoracic splanchnic nerves?

• Superior cervical ganglia
• Geniculate ganglia
• Celiac ganglia
• Trigeminal ganglia

Q8. In addition to preganglionic sympathetic fibers, which sensory fibers travel through the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve?

• Visceral afferent fibers
• Special auditory afferent fibers
• Special visual afferent fibers
• Somatic motor fibers

Q9. Which gastrointestinal region is especially associated with sympathetic pathways passing through the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve and celiac ganglia?

• Anal canal only
• Rectum only
• Hindgut only
• Foregut

Q10. Which feature distinguishes the greater thoracic splanchnic nerve from most sympathetic nerves distributed to the body wall?

• It predominantly carries preganglionic sympathetic fibers
• It supplies skeletal muscle directly
• It contains only somatic sensory fibers
• It carries parasympathetic fibers from the vagus nerve