The preganglionic cells of the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system are in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord, traveling a short distance. There is a sympathetic chain, which consists of ganglia that run next to each side of the spinal cord in those regions. 

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These are neurons that innervate the autonomic ganglia in the peripheral nervous system. They occupy different regions depending on whether they are in the parasympathetic branch or the sympathetic branch. 

Preganglionic neurons 

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Preganglionic cells of the sympathetic branch

The preganglionic cells of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system are located in the cranial and sacral areas of the spinal cord. These travel a longer distance than the preganglionic cells in the sympathetic branch, and the ganglia are closer to the organs that are affected. 

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