
Thoracic Part of Sympathetic Chain and its Branching Pattern Variations in South Indian Cadavers
AC09-AC12
Correspondence
Dr. Hemanth Kommuru,
Tutor, Department of Anatomy SSSMC & RI, Ammapettai, Department of Anatomy,
Tiruporur, Gudvancherry Main Road, Nellikuppam-603108 Kancheepurm , Tamil Nadu, India.
Phone : 9884583539, E-mail : hemanth.kommuri@gmail.com
Introduction: The sympathetic trunks are two ganglionated nerve trunks that extend the whole length of the vertebral column.The two trunks end by joining together to form a single ganglion, the ganglion impar. The thoracic part of the sympathetic chain runs downward and leaves the thorax behind the medial arcuate ligament. The preganglionic fibers which are grouped together to forms planchnic nerves and supply the abdominal viscera. Anatomical variations of the thoracic sympathetic trunk in relation to Intercostal nerves may be one of the reasons that cause surgical failures. Therefore our present study aimed to investigate the Sympathetic variations in the cadavers.
Materials and Methods: In the present study we have investigated 31 embalmed cadavers thoracic cavities were eviscerated, the posterior thoracic walls were dissected carefully to expose the sympathetic chain and its branches.
Results: Stellate ganglion was observed bilaterally in 4 cadavers and unilaterally in 15 cadavers. Greater splanchnic nerve highest origin was 4th ganglion and the lowest origin was 11th ganglion. Common origin for the lesser splanchnic nerve was from the 11th ganglion. Common origin for the least splanchnic nerves was from the 12th ganglion.
Conclusion: Information on the variability of the anatomy of the thoracic sympathetic chain and splanchnic nerves may be important for the success of subdiaphragmatic neuroablative surgical approaches to pain control and splanchnic neurectomy for the management of chronic abdominal pain.