Final answer:
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is characterized by a thoracolumbar distribution of sympathetic neurons. This means that the central neurons of the sympathetic system are located in the lateral horn of the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system is characterized by a thoracolumbar distribution of sympathetic neurons. This means that the central neurons of the sympathetic system are located in the lateral horn of the thoracic and upper lumbar spinal cord. These neurons project to ganglia adjacent to the vertebral column through the ventral spinal roots.