The stellate ganglia are a pair of small nerve clusters located on either side of the neck, formed by fused cervical ganglia (sympathetic ganglia of the cervical spinal cord). These ganglia, also known as the cervicothoracic ganglia, are part of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response.
Each stellate ganglion is located at the level of the sixth or seventh cervical vertebra, near the base of the neck. They are named "stellate" due to their star-shaped appearance caused by the branching of nerve fibers that extend out from the clusters.
The stellate ganglia play a critical role in regulating blood flow to the head, neck, and upper limbs. They are involved in controlling heart rate, blood pressure, and the constriction or dilation of blood vessels. Furthermore, they have connections to various organs and help regulate functions such as sweating, temperature control, and pupil dilation.
Disorders or dysfunctions of the stellate ganglia can lead to a range of symptoms, including abnormal sweating, abnormal blood flow, changes in heart rate, and pain in the head, neck, or upper limbs. In certain medical conditions, therapeutic interventions such as stellate ganglion blocks may be performed, where local anesthetic is injected to block the nerve signals, providing relief from pain or other associated symptoms.
Overall, the stellate ganglia are vital components of the sympathetic nervous system, exerting control over numerous physiological functions throughout the upper body.
