The sympathetic nervous system is also known as the division because the cell bodies of its preganglionic neurons are located in the .

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Step 1: Understand the role of the sympathetic nervous system. It is part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight or flight' response, preparing the body for action during stressful situations.

Step 2: Recall the anatomical organization of the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is one of its two divisions, the other being the parasympathetic nervous system.

Step 3: Identify the nickname of the sympathetic nervous system. It is often referred to as the 'thoracolumbar division' because of the location of its preganglionic neurons.

Step 4: Locate the cell bodies of the preganglionic neurons. These are found in the lateral horns of the spinal cord, specifically in the thoracic and upper lumbar regions (T1 to L2).

Step 5: Combine the information to understand why the sympathetic nervous system is called the thoracolumbar division. This name reflects the anatomical location of its preganglionic neuron cell bodies in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. It prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs. Understanding its role is crucial for comprehending how the body reacts to stressors.

Preganglionic Neurons

Preganglionic neurons are the first neurons in the autonomic nervous system pathway, originating in the central nervous system and projecting to ganglia. In the sympathetic division, these neurons have their cell bodies located in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. Their function is to transmit signals that activate postganglionic neurons, which then influence target organs.

Autonomic Nervous System Divisions

The autonomic nervous system is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions, each with distinct functions. The sympathetic division prepares the body for action, while the parasympathetic division promotes rest and digestion. Recognizing these divisions helps in understanding how the body maintains homeostasis and responds to varying demands.

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Somatic vs. Autonomic Nervous System

Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mark the following statements as true or false. If a statement is false, correct it to make a true statement.

c. The visceral motor division is also known as the autonomic nervous system and maintains homeostasis of many physiological variables.

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Textbook Question

You are running a race to the top of a mountain. Explain all the changes your sympathetic nervous system will initiate to maintain homeostasis as you run the race.

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Textbook Question

Regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive functions is carried out by the:

a. Somatic motor division of the peripheral nervous system.

b. Central nervous system.

c. Visceral sensory division of the peripheral nervous system.

d. Autonomic nervous system.

Textbook Question

Which of the following best describes the basic function of the autonomic nervous system?

a. Controls the somatic nervous system

b. Controls automatic functions to maintain homeostasis

c. Detects somatic sensory information