Visceral Innervation

(From Reves JG, Fragen RJ, Vinik HR, et al. Midazolam: pharmacology and uses. Anesthesiology. 1985;62:310-324, with permission.)

The vagus nerve, with cell bodies in the nodose ganglion and central terminals in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), innervates organs in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Afferent nerves with terminals in the spinal cord innervate the same thoracic and abdominal organs as well as those in the pelvic floor. Visceral spinal afferents pass through pre- and/or paravertebral ganglia en route to the spinal cord; their cell bodies are located in dorsal root ganglia (not illustrated). Prevertebral ganglia: CG, coeliac ganglion; SMG and IMG, superior and inferior mesenteric ganglia, respectively; and PG, pelvic ganglion. Paravertebral ganglia: SCG and MCG, superior and middle cervical ganglia, respectively; and S, stellate ganglion. Nerves: CN, cardiac nerves (s, m, and i, superior, middle, and inferior, respectively); TSN, thoracic splanchnic nerves; 1, 2, 3 and 4, greater, lesser, least, and lumbar splanchnic nerves, respectively; IMN, intermesenteric nerve; HGN, hypogastric nerve; and PN, pelvic nerve.