Sympatiskakretsarna

Sympatiskakretsarna, often translated as sympathetic circuits or sympathetic pathways, refers to the neural pathways of the sympathetic nervous system. This system is a major component of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions. The sympathetic nervous system is primarily responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response, preparing the body for action in stressful situations.

The sympathetic pathways originate in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cord. Neurons from this region, called preganglionic neurons, travel to ganglia, which are clusters of nerve cells. These ganglia are typically located near the spinal cord in structures known as the sympathetic chain ganglia, or further away in prevertebral ganglia. Within the ganglia, preganglionic neurons synapse with postganglionic neurons.

These postganglionic neurons then project to various organs and tissues throughout the body, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, digestive system, and sweat glands. The neurotransmitter norepinephrine is commonly released by sympathetic postganglionic neurons to exert its effects on target organs. Activation of these pathways leads to physiological changes such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, and a redistribution of blood flow away from non-essential functions like digestion. Understanding sympatiskakretsarna is crucial for comprehending how the body responds to stress and maintains homeostasis.