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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenThoracic splanchnic nerves
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AnatomyAbdomenNerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomenThoracic splanchnic nerves

Thoracic splanchnic nerves

Author: Jana Vasković, MD • Reviewer: Roberto Grujičić, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

Thoracic splanchnic nerves
Nervi splanchnici thoracici
1/2
Synonyms: none

The thoracic splanchnic nerves are a set of sympathetic nerves that contribute to autonomic supply to the abdomen and pelvis. It may sound unusual that the nerves of the abdomen and pelvis are named “thoracic”; however this is due to the fact that these nerves all pass through the ganglia of the thoracic sympathetic trunk. The thoracic splanchnic nerves originate from the thoracic and lumbar segments of the spinal cord, T1-L2. The fibers of these nerves then travel within the white rami communicantes and pass through the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk without synapsing. Ultimately, they continue towards abdominopelvic cavity as three sets of paired nerves:

  • Greater splanchnic nerves
  • Lesser splanchnic nerves
  • Least splanchnic nerves

The thoracic splanchnic nerves mainly contain the preganglionic (presynaptic) sympathetic fibers. These fibers synapse with the autonomic ganglia, from which the postganglionic (postsynaptic) fibers convey the sympathetic inputs to the abdominal organs.

This article will explain the anatomy and function of the thoracic splanchnic nerves.

Contents
  1. Greater splanchnic nerve
  2. Lesser splanchnic nerve
  3. Least splanchnic nerve
  4. Sources
+ Show all
Key facts about the thoracic splanchnic nerves
Greater splanchnic nerve Origin: Medial branches of thoracic sympathetic ganglia 5-9
Termination: Ganglia coeliaca, adrenal medulla
Function: Sympathetic supply of foregut and adrenal medulla
Lesser splanchnic nerve Origin: Medial branches of thoracic sympathetic ganglia 10-11
Termination: Aorticorenal/superior mesenteric ganglia
Function: Sympathetic supply of the midgut
Least splanchnic nerve Origin: Medial branches of thoracic sympathetic ganglia 11 and/or 12
Termination: Renal ganglia
Function: Sympathetic supply of the kidneys

Greater splanchnic nerve

Greater thoracic splanchnic nerve
Nervus splanchnicus thoracicus major
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Synonyms: none

Each greater splanchnic nerve is formed by the medial branches of the 5th to 9th thoracic sympathetic ganglia. It courses along the anterior surface of the spine and gives off branches to the descending aorta. The nerve then traverses the fibers of the ipsilateral crus of the diaphragm to enter the abdomen. The majority of its fibers terminate by synapsing with the celiac ganglia, contributing to the celiac plexus. These fibers are involved in the control of the enteric nervous system of the foregut.

A small amount of fibers of the greater splanchnic nerve travels towards the ipsilateral suprarenal gland to innervate the adrenal medulla and stimulate the release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).

Autonomic nervous system Explore study unit

Lesser splanchnic nerve

Lesser thoracic splanchnic nerve
Nervus splanchnicus thoracicus minor
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Synonyms: none

The lesser splanchnic nerve originates from the medial branches of the 10th and 11th thoracic sympathetic ganglia. It courses lateral and in parallel to the greater splanchnic nerves, over the anterior surface of the spine and enters the abdomen in the same manner - by traversing the ipsilateral diaphragmatic crus.

The lesser splanchnic nerves terminate by synapsing within the aorticorenal or superior mesenteric ganglia. The corresponding postsynaptic fibers then modulate the activity of the midgut.

Least splanchnic nerve

Least thoracic splanchnic nerve
Nervus splanchnicus thoracicus imus
Synonyms: none

The least splanchnic nerves originate from the medial branches of the 11th and/or the 12th thoracic sympathetic ganglia.

They travel lateral and parallel to the lesser splanchnic nerves, over the anterior surface of the spine, close to its lateral margin. It enters the abdomen by passing beneath the medial arcuate ligament and then joins the renal ganglia, contributing to the sympathetic innervation for the renal plexus. The fibers of this nerve are sometimes joined by the lesser splanchnic nerve. In this case, the lesser splanchnic nerve gives off small branches to the renal ganglia. 

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
  • Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
  • Netter, F. H. (2018). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Elsevier.
  • Kommuru, H. (2014). Thoracic Part of Sympathetic Chain and its Branching Pattern Variations in South Indian Cadavers. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC RESEARCH.

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