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. 

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. 

Preganglionic cells of the parasympathetic branch 

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. 

Ohio State University, Columbus

The autonomic nervous system, a division of the peripheral nervous system, operates largely unconsciously to regulate bodily functions. It primarily controls the body's internal organs and glands and is further divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems.

Autonomic Nervous System

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

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Autonomic ganglia are cell bodies that innervate organs throughout the body.  

Autonomic ganglia 

Preganglionic neurons 

These are neurons that innervate different parts of the body. They arise from the ganglia. 

Postganglionic neurons

This is one of the divisions of the autonomic nervous system that consists of a mesh-like network of neurons that plays a role in balancing nutrients and functioning in the gut. 

Enteric Nervous System 

The sympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations. This activation, often called the "fight or flight" response, mobilizes energy and increases alertness to respond to perceived threats.

Sympathetic Nervous System

The parasympathetic nervous system is a division of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" functions. Its activation is associated with normal functioning under relaxed conditions, conserving energy and overseeing routine operations like digestion.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Read the following scenario. Then, explain the roles of the two major divisions of the body's system for unconscious regulation of internal organs and glands during the initial reaction and the subsequent recovery.

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