The sympathetic component of the autonomic system arises entirely form the spinal cord between T1 and L2 (lateral horn). The lateral horn contains the preganglionic motoneurons. The targets of these neurons are the sympathetic chain of ganglia that lie along the vertebral column (paravertebral). Three ganglia extend rostral to the T1 segment as the inferior, middle and superior cervical ganglia.

• The sympathetic component of the autonomic system arises entirely form the spinal cord between T1 and L2 (lateral horn). The lateral horn contains the preganglionic motoneurons. The targets of these neurons are the sympathetic chain of ganglia that lie along the vertebral column (paravertebral). Three ganglia extend rostral to the T1 segment as the inferior, middle and superior cervical ganglia.

• The second level neurons are postganglionic neurons in the chain ganglia and collateral visceral ganglia. These project to the eye, salivary glands & visceral organs (e.g the heart, lungs etc).

• Some axons pass through the chain ganglia to more distal, collateral ganglia in the abdominal cavity.