This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Stellate ganglia (anatomy)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The stellate ganglia are sympathetic ganglia on either side of the root of the neck. They are part of the sympathetic chain. On each side, they are formed as a result of fusion of the inferior cervical ganglion with the first, and occasionally second, thoracic ganglion. Thus, the stellate ganglion replaces these ganglia.

The position of the stellate ganglion is similar to that of the inferior cervical ganglion:

  • posterior:
    • neck of first rib
    • transverse process of C7
  • anterior: subclavian artery
  • laterally:
    • supreme intercostal vein
    • superior intercostal artery
    • ventral ramus of first thoracic nerve
  • medially: vertebral body
  • inferiorly: pleural cupola over apex of lung

The stellate ganglia only receive sympathetic efferent fibres from the sympathetic chains which lie inferiorly and the first and second thoracic segmental anterior rami. Its branches ramify widely - see submenu.


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.