Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system are located in the:

• A. ventral horns of the cervical spinal cord
• B. dorsal root ganglia
• C. brainstem nuclei
• D. lateral horns of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the structure of the spinal cord: The spinal cord is divided into regions (cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal) and contains gray matter organized into horns (ventral, dorsal, and lateral). Each horn has specific functions and neuron types.
2. Learn the role of the sympathetic nervous system: The sympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system and is responsible for the 'fight or flight' response. It involves preganglionic and postganglionic neurons.
3. Identify the location of preganglionic neurons: Preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system originate in the lateral horns of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. This is a key anatomical feature of the sympathetic division.
4. Differentiate the lateral horns from other structures: The ventral horns contain motor neurons for voluntary movement, the dorsal root ganglia house sensory neurons, and the brainstem nuclei are involved in cranial nerve functions. None of these are associated with sympathetic preganglionic neurons.
5. Conclude the correct answer: Based on the anatomy and function of the sympathetic nervous system, preganglionic neurons are specifically located in the lateral horns of the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord.