Sympathetic roots

Sympathetic Roots

Sympathetic roots diagram

The Sympathetic Roots are a part of the Autonomic Nervous System that play a crucial role in the body's response to stress or danger. They are responsible for the body's "fight or flight" response, which prepares the body for action in threatening situations.

Anatomy

The sympathetic roots consist of two types of fibers: preganglionic and postganglionic. The preganglionic fibers originate in the spinal cord's thoracic and lumbar regions, while the postganglionic fibers extend from the sympathetic ganglia to the target organs.

Function

The sympathetic roots stimulate the body's response to stress or danger by releasing norepinephrine and epinephrine. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, while also slowing digestion.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the sympathetic roots can lead to various medical conditions, such as orthostatic hypotension, Horner's Syndrome, and hyperhidrosis.

See Also

• Parasympathetic Nervous System
• Sympathetic Ganglia
• Sympathetic Trunk