Intermediate Lesser Splanchnic Nerve Quiz

Q1. How does the lesser splanchnic nerve typically enter the abdomen?

• Through the caval opening as its obligatory route
• Through or behind the diaphragmatic crus
• Through the obturator canal
• Through the inguinal canal

Q2. Which autonomic plexus around the renal artery origin can receive fibers associated with the lesser splanchnic nerve?

• Brachial plexus
• Cervical plexus
• Aorticorenal plexus
• Sacral somatic plexus

Q3. Which autonomic plexus associated with the midgut may receive contributions related to the lesser splanchnic nerve?

• Pulmonary plexus
• Cardiac plexus
• Sacral somatic plexus
• Superior mesenteric plexus

Q4. What happens to many lesser splanchnic preganglionic fibers after reaching an abdominal prevertebral ganglion?

• They synapse with postganglionic sympathetic neurons
• They become somatic motor fibers
• They return directly to the spinal cord
• They synapse in dorsal root ganglia

Q5. How do postganglionic sympathetic fibers commonly distribute from prevertebral plexuses to abdominal organs?

• Through the inguinal ligament
• Along periarterial plexuses
• Through the brachial plexus
• Through posterior rami only

Q6. Which general gastrointestinal effect is associated with sympathetic fibers traveling through thoracic splanchnic pathways?

• No influence on digestive function
• Voluntary contraction of intestinal smooth muscle
• Reduced gastrointestinal motility and secretion
• Generalized increase in peristalsis

Q7. How do preganglionic sympathetic fibers initially reach the sympathetic trunk from a thoracic spinal nerve?

• Through posterior rami only
• Through white rami communicantes
• Through gray rami only
• Through the vagus nerve

Q8. Why can the lesser splanchnic nerve transmit visceral pain as well as sympathetic output?

• It contains both sympathetic efferents and accompanying visceral afferents
• Pain fibers become sympathetic neurons in the nerve
• All visceral pain travels only through the vagus
• It contains only somatic motor fibers

Q9. Which statement best distinguishes the lesser splanchnic nerve from pelvic splanchnic nerves?

• Both are purely somatic sensory nerves
• The lesser splanchnic is sympathetic, while pelvic splanchnic nerves are parasympathetic
• Pelvic splanchnic nerves arise from thoracic sympathetic ganglia
• Both are parasympathetic

Q10. Why can the exact segmental origin of the lesser splanchnic nerve differ between individuals?

• It is present only on the left side
• Its contributing thoracic sympathetic levels can vary
• It changes from a cranial to a spinal nerve
• It originates from the vagus nerve in some individuals