Which structure contains the cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

Which structure contains the cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurons?

• A. Sympathetic ganglion
• B. Dorsal root ganglion
• C. Pituitary gland
• D. Cerebellum

Answer: (A)

In the autonomic nervous system, the cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurons reside in sympathetic ganglia. These ganglia are the sites where preganglionic fibers make synapses with the postganglionic neurons whose axons then innervate target organs. Dorsal root ganglia contain sensory neuron cell bodies, not autonomic motor neurons. The pituitary gland is an endocrine organ, and the cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not autonomic ganglia. So the structure that houses the postganglionic sympathetic neuron cell bodies is the sympathetic ganglion.

In the autonomic nervous system, the cell bodies of postganglionic sympathetic neurons reside in sympathetic ganglia. These ganglia are the sites where preganglionic fibers make synapses with the postganglionic neurons whose axons then innervate target organs. Dorsal root ganglia contain sensory neuron cell bodies, not autonomic motor neurons. The pituitary gland is an endocrine organ, and the cerebellum is involved in coordination and balance, not autonomic ganglia. So the structure that houses the postganglionic sympathetic neuron cell bodies is the sympathetic ganglion.