Topography of rami communicantes of the pelvic part of the sympathetic trunk in human fetuses
Błaszczyk, B.
Folia Morphologica 44(2): 140-152
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5659 PMID: 3836929 Document Number: 251699
In 100 human fetuses, ganglia and rami communicantes in the pelvic segment of the sympathetic trunk were dissected. Different topographic relations of rami communicantes were the basis for distinguishing among them two main types: dorsal and ventral branches. Dorsal rami communicantes, always singular, enter the sacral pelvic foramina together with spinal vessels. Ventral rami communicantes, from 1 to 4 in number, reach the sacral nerves after their leaving the above foramina. Between the dorsal and ventral rami pass usually the lateral sacral vessels. Considering the course six main types of the rami communicantes reaching corresponding nerves were distinguished, and their participation in supplying consecutive sacral nerves was determined. Type I (the dorsal and the ventral ramus arising from one ganglion) and Type II (each of rami arise from the adjacent ganglion) occurred most often. At the level of the sacral segment 5, prevails type VI, i.e. a single communicating ramus to the sacral nerve.