Which region of the spinal cord contains autonomic neurons?

Which region of the spinal cord contains autonomic neurons?

• A. Dorsal horn
• B. Lateral horn
• C. Ventral horn
• D. Central canal

Answer: (B)

Autonomic neurons reside in the lateral horn, the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord. This region houses the preganglionic autonomic neurons that give rise to sympathetic (primarily T1–L2) and, in sacral segments (S2–S4), parasympathetic outflow. The dorsal horn contains sensory interneurons and processes afferent information, the ventral horn contains somatic motor neurons for skeletal muscle, and the central canal is simply the CSF-filled hollow center. So, the lateral horn is where autonomic neurons are located.

Autonomic neurons reside in the lateral horn, the intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord. This region houses the preganglionic autonomic neurons that give rise to sympathetic (primarily T1–L2) and, in sacral segments (S2–S4), parasympathetic outflow. The dorsal horn contains sensory interneurons and processes afferent information, the ventral horn contains somatic motor neurons for skeletal muscle, and the central canal is simply the CSF-filled hollow center. So, the lateral horn is where autonomic neurons are located.