The white rami communicantes connect the spinal nerves to which part of the sympathetic nervous system?

• A. Cranial nerve nuclei
• B. Dorsal root ganglia
• C. Parasympathetic ganglia
• D. Sympathetic trunk (chain) ganglia

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the role of the white rami communicantes: These structures are part of the autonomic nervous system and serve as pathways for preganglionic sympathetic fibers to travel from the spinal nerves to the sympathetic trunk (chain) ganglia.
2. Recall the anatomy of the sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic trunk (chain) ganglia are a series of interconnected ganglia located on either side of the vertebral column. They are part of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system.
3. Differentiate the white rami communicantes from the gray rami communicantes: White rami communicantes carry preganglionic fibers (myelinated) from the spinal nerves to the sympathetic trunk ganglia, while gray rami communicantes carry postganglionic fibers (unmyelinated) back to the spinal nerves.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: Cranial nerve nuclei are part of the central nervous system and not directly connected to the white rami communicantes. Dorsal root ganglia are sensory ganglia and not involved in the sympathetic pathway. Parasympathetic ganglia are part of the parasympathetic division, not the sympathetic division.
5. Conclude that the white rami communicantes connect the spinal nerves to the sympathetic trunk (chain) ganglia, which is the correct answer based on their function and anatomical location.