Which structure contains preganglionic autonomic neurons within the spinal cord?

Which structure contains preganglionic autonomic neurons within the spinal cord?

• A. Dorsal horn
• B. Dorsal root ganglion
• C. Intermediolateral cell column
• D. Ventral horn

Answer: (C)

Preganglionic autonomic neurons within the spinal cord reside in the intermediolateral cell column, the region of the lateral horn in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments. These neurons give rise to preganglionic fibers that exit via the ventral roots and synapse in sympathetic ganglia or prevertebral ganglia, forming the central wiring for sympathetic outflow. The dorsal horn mainly contains interneurons and processes somatosensory information; the dorsal root ganglion houses the cell bodies of sensory neurons; the ventral horn contains motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscle. Therefore, the intermediolateral cell column is the site of spinal preganglionic autonomic neurons.

Preganglionic autonomic neurons within the spinal cord reside in the intermediolateral cell column, the region of the lateral horn in the thoracic and upper lumbar segments. These neurons give rise to preganglionic fibers that exit via the ventral roots and synapse in sympathetic ganglia or prevertebral ganglia, forming the central wiring for sympathetic outflow. The dorsal horn mainly contains interneurons and processes somatosensory information; the dorsal root ganglion houses the cell bodies of sensory neurons; the ventral horn contains motor neurons that innervate skeletal muscle. Therefore, the intermediolateral cell column is the site of spinal preganglionic autonomic neurons.