Sympathetic Nervous System

The Sympathetic Nervous System is part of the autonomic nervous system. Its center is located in the lateral horns of the VIII cervical, all thoracic and 1-11 lumbar segments of the spinal cord. The axons of the sympathetic neurons of the lateral horns go as part of the spinal nerves, then the white communicating branches and enter the nodes of the sympathetic trunks located on the sides of the spine (preganglionic fibers). Some of these fibers end in synapses on the cells of the nodes of the sympathetic trunk. The axons of these cells in the form of postganglionic fibers emerge from the sympathetic trunk as part of the gray connective branches, join the spinal nerves and, as part of their branches, innervate all organs and tissues where these nerves branch, including blood vessels, hair follicles and sweat glands of the skin ( ed.).

The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system, which plays an important role in regulating many body functions. It is responsible for the body’s adaptation to stress, regulates metabolism, body temperature, blood pressure and many other processes.

The center of the sympathetic nervous system is located in the lateral horns of the spinal cord of the VIII cervical segment, as well as in all thoracic segments and in the 1-11 lumbar segment. The axons of the lateral horns of the spinal cord emerge as part of the spinal nerves and then divide into white communicating branches, which connect to the nodes of the sympathetic trunk located on the sides of the spinal column.

The postganglionic axon of the sympathetic nerve leaves the ganglion in the form of gray connecting branches. It joins the spinal nerve and innervates all organs and systems where this nerve branches, including blood vessels, sweat glands and hair follicles of the skin.

The sympathetic nervous system triggers the “fight or flight” response, which helps the body adapt to various stressful situations. It also regulates metabolism and maintains homeostasis (constancy of the body's internal environment), which ensures the stability of body functions under different conditions.

Thus, the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in many processes occurring in the body, and its dysfunction can lead to various diseases.

The sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in regulating vital body functions such as breathing, heartbeat, blood pressure, gastrointestinal function, and immune function. It is also involved in the response to stress, ensuring the mobilization of the body's internal resources and preparation for action in extreme situations. In this article we will look at the main characteristics of the sympathetic nervous system and its importance in the functioning of the body.

The sympathetic system plays a leading role in responding to stressful situations by increasing breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. This system affects the body through the secretion of stress hormones such as adrenaline and norepinephrine, which stimulate various organs and systems, causing the fight or flight response. When the body experiences stress, the sympathetic system mobilizes the body's energy and resources for fight or flight.

To maintain homeostasis, the sympathoadrenal response often causes cardiac arrhythmia, where the heartbeat becomes irregular and can be life-threatening. In response to such an abnormal cardiogram, the heart performs a series of increased beats to restore blood flow and reduce the heart rate. In some cases, sympathoadrenal reactions can lead to vasoconstriction, which leads to increased blood pressure and muscle spasms, including the smooth muscles of blood vessels.

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