Intermediate Sympathetic Innervation of the Abdomen Quiz

Q1. Which thoracic splanchnic nerve is most strongly associated with the celiac ganglia?

• Greater thoracic splanchnic nerve
• Vagus nerve
• Pelvic splanchnic nerve
• Phrenic nerve

Q2. Which thoracic splanchnic nerve commonly contributes fibers to the aorticorenal and superior mesenteric regions?

• Greater occipital nerve
• Lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve
• Pelvic splanchnic nerve
• Pudendal nerve

Q3. Which thoracic splanchnic nerve is commonly associated with the T12 level?

• Least thoracic splanchnic nerve
• Greater thoracic splanchnic nerve
• Pelvic splanchnic nerve
• Vagus nerve

Q4. What is the usual relationship of preganglionic sympathetic fibers to the sympathetic trunk before entering abdominal splanchnic nerves?

• They terminate in dorsal root ganglia
• They become parasympathetic fibers in the trunk
• They pass through the sympathetic trunk without synapsing
• They must synapse in every paravertebral ganglion

Q5. Which sympathetic pathway is especially important for the lower abdominal and hindgut region?

• Pelvic splanchnic nerves
• Phrenic nerves
• Lumbar splanchnic nerves
• Vagal trunks

Q6. What type of sympathetic fibers usually leave prevertebral ganglia to follow abdominal arteries?

• Postganglionic sympathetic fibers
• Somatic motor fibers
• Special visceral motor fibers of cranial nerves
• Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers only

Q7. Which fibers commonly carry pain from many abdominal viscera back toward the spinal cord?

• Branchial motor fibers
• Visceral afferents traveling with sympathetic pathways
• Somatic efferents in the phrenic nerve only
• Parasympathetic efferents only

Q8. Why can visceral pain from abdominal organs be perceived in somatic regions?

• Convergence of visceral and somatic afferent input in the spinal cord
• Exclusive transmission through cranial nerves
• Conversion of visceral nerves into cutaneous nerves
• Direct motor innervation of skin by splanchnic nerves

Q9. How do sympathetic fibers commonly influence gastrointestinal sphincters?

• They generally promote sphincter contraction
• They provide voluntary skeletal motor control
• They always relax every sphincter
• They have no effect on smooth muscle

Q10. Which statement distinguishes sympathetic splanchnic nerves from pelvic splanchnic nerves?

• Thoracic and lumbar splanchnic nerves are sympathetic, while pelvic splanchnic nerves are parasympathetic
• Pelvic splanchnic nerves arise from the sympathetic trunk
• All splanchnic nerves are parasympathetic
• All splanchnic nerves are somatic sensory nerves