What type of neurons are involved in the lateral horn of the spinal cord?

The lateral horn of the spinal cord is specifically associated with the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic division in the thoracic and upper lumbar regions. Within this area, you will find preganglionic autonomic neurons, which are responsible for relaying signals from the central nervous system to autonomic ganglia.

These preganglionic neurons are significant in initiating autonomic responses that regulate various involuntary functions of the body, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. They exit the spinal cord via the ventral roots and synapse in peripheral ganglia, affecting effector organs.

In contrast, sensory neurons are located in the dorsal horn and serve to transmit sensory information to the central nervous system. Upper motor neurons, which originate in the brain and descend to synapse with lower motor neurons in the spinal cord, are primarily found in the anterior portion of the spinal cord and are involved in the voluntary control of movement. Lower motor neurons, similar to upper motor neurons in terms of function, are located primarily in the ventral horn and innervate skeletal muscle directly.

This context helps clarify the role of the lateral horn and its specific function in the autonomic nervous system, underlining why it is correct to associate it with pre