Collateral sympathetic ganglia are involved with innervating a. abdominal organs, b. thoracic organs, c. head, d. arrector pili, e. all of these.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that collateral sympathetic ganglia are part of the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic division.
2. Recognize that these ganglia are located outside the sympathetic chain and are primarily involved in innervating organs in the abdominal and pelvic regions.
3. Consider the options provided: abdominal organs, thoracic organs, head, arrector pili, and all of these.
4. Recall that the primary role of collateral sympathetic ganglia is to innervate abdominal organs, which helps in regulating functions such as digestion.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is related to the innervation of abdominal organs, as collateral sympathetic ganglia are not primarily involved with thoracic organs, head, or arrector pili.

Key Concepts

Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. It prepares the body for stressful situations by increasing heart rate, dilating airways, and redirecting blood flow to essential organs. Understanding its role is crucial for analyzing how collateral sympathetic ganglia function in innervating various organs.

Collateral Sympathetic Ganglia

Collateral sympathetic ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the spinal cord that serve as relay points for sympathetic nerve fibers. They innervate various organs, including those in the abdomen and thorax, by transmitting signals that regulate functions such as digestion and heart rate. Their involvement in organ innervation is key to answering the question.

Organ Innervation

Organ innervation refers to the supply of nerves to an organ, allowing for communication between the nervous system and the organ. In the context of the sympathetic nervous system, this involves the regulation of involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and glandular secretion. Recognizing which organs are innervated by collateral sympathetic ganglia is essential for determining the correct answer to the question.