The splanchnic nerves are paired visceral nerves (nerves that contribute to the innervation of the internal organs), carrying fibers of the autonomic nervous system (visceral efferent fibers) as well as sensory fibers from the organs (visceral afferent fibers). All carry sympathetic fibers except for the pelvic splanchnic nerves, which carry parasympathetic fibers.
Types The term splanchnic nerves can refer to: Cardiopulmonary nervesEssential Clinical Anatomy. K.L. Moore & A.M. Agur. Lippincott, 3 ed. 2007. Page 181 Thoracic splanchnic nerves (greater, lesser, and least) Lumbar splanchnic nerves Sacral splanchnic nerves Pelvic splanchnic nerves
+Comparison Nerve Pre-/postsynapticUnless else specified in boxes, then ref is: Essential Clinical Anatomy. K.L. Moore & A.M. Agur. Lippincott, 3 ed. 2007. Page 181 autonomic system Origin Targets Cardiopulmonary nerves Postsynaptic sympathetic cervical and upper thoracic ganglia Thoracic cavity Thoracic splanchnic nerves generally Presynaptic lower thoracic ganglia Prevertebral ganglia Greater splanchnic nerve T5–T9 or T10 Celiac ganglia Lesser splanchnic nerve T10–T11 Superior mesenteric ganglia and Aorticorenal ganglia Least splanchnic nerve T12 Renal plexus Lumbar splanchnic nerves L1–2 Inferior mesenteric ganglia, ganglia of intermesenteric and hypogastric plexuses Sacral splanchnic nerves sacral part of sympathetic trunk inferior hypogastric plexus and ganglia to the pelvic viscera Pelvic splanchnic nerves parasympathetic S2–S4 intrinsic ganglia of descending and sigmoid colon, rectum, and inferior hypogastric plexus and ganglia to the pelvic viscera
See also Terminal cisterna Rexed lamina Preganglionic nerve fiber Postganglionic nerve fiber
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