Question

Once inside the sympathetic chain ganglion, the preganglionic fiber may:

a. synapse with a sympathetic postganglionic neuron
b. send ascending and/or descending branches through the sympathetic trunk to synapse with postganglionic neurons in other chain ganglia.
c. pass through one or more ganglia without synapsing
d. all of the above

Answer 1

Once inside the sympathetic chain ganglion, the preganglionic fiber may synapse with a sympathetic postganglionic neuron, travel through the sympathetic trunk to synapse at different levels, or pass through without synapsing, indicating that 'all of the above' options are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Once inside the sympathetic chain ganglion, the preganglionic fiber may:

1. Synapse with a sympathetic postganglionic neuron.
2. Send ascending and/or descending branches through the sympathetic trunk to synapse with postganglionic neurons in other chain ganglia.
3. Pass through one or more ganglia without synapsing, projecting through a white ramus communication and potentially through splanchnic nerves to a collateral ganglion or the adrenal medulla.

Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is 'd. all of the above' since a preganglionic fiber can engage in each of these pathways once it enters the sympathetic chain ganglion.