Final answer:
The sympathetic chain ganglia begin and end at different vertebral segments, depending on the region of the spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sympathetic chain ganglia of the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system are located along the vertebral column. The beginning and end of the sympathetic chain vary depending on the region of the spinal cord.
In the cervical region, the sympathetic chain begins at the first thoracic vertebra (T1) and ends at the fourth cervical vertebra (C4).
In the thoracic region, the sympathetic chain begins at the first thoracic vertebra (T1) and ends at the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12). In the lumbar region, the sympathetic chain begins at the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12) and ends at the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4).
And in the sacral region, the sympathetic chain begins at the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4) and ends at the fourth sacral vertebra (S4).