Which statement about the sympathetic nervous system is true?

Which statement about the sympathetic nervous system is true?

• A. The sympathetic ganglia are close to the spinal cord
• B. Only the sympathetic division innervates directly
• C. The parasympathetic NS contains no ganglionic fibers
• D. The sympathetic division does not use acetylcholine

Answer: (A)

Understanding how the sympathetic system is wired helps explain why this statement is true: its ganglia lie close to the spinal cord. In the sympathetic division, the preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and their short fibers synapse in paravertebral ganglia that run alongside the spinal column (the sympathetic trunk) or in prevertebral ganglia near major arteries. This close proximity means the postganglionic fibers, which innervate many organs, travel longer distances to reach their targets. This arrangement contrasts with the parasympathetic system, where ganglia are near or within the target organs, not close to the spinal cord. It also clarifies neurotransmitter basics: preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine, and most postganglionic sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine (with notable exceptions such as sweat glands, which use acetylcholine).

Understanding how the sympathetic system is wired helps explain why this statement is true: its ganglia lie close to the spinal cord. In the sympathetic division, the preganglionic neurons originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord and their short fibers synapse in paravertebral ganglia that run alongside the spinal column (the sympathetic trunk) or in prevertebral ganglia near major arteries. This close proximity means the postganglionic fibers, which innervate many organs, travel longer distances to reach their targets.

This arrangement contrasts with the parasympathetic system, where ganglia are near or within the target organs, not close to the spinal cord. It also clarifies neurotransmitter basics: preganglionic neurons release acetylcholine, and most postganglionic sympathetic neurons release norepinephrine (with notable exceptions such as sweat glands, which use acetylcholine).