Parasympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ____.
A)cranial and cervical areas of the CNS
B)cranial and thoracic areas of the PNS
C)cranial and sacral areas of the CNS
D)thoracic and sacral areas of the PNS
E)thoracic and lumbar areas of the CNS

Question

Parasympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the ____.
A)​cranial and cervical areas of the CNS
B)cranial and thoracic areas of the PNS
C)cranial and sacral areas of the CNS
D)thoracic and sacral areas of the PNS
E)thoracic and lumbar areas of the CNS

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parasympathetic preganglionic fibers arise from the cranial and sacral areas of the central nervous system (CNS), specifically from the brainstem and the sacral region of the spinal cord. These fibers then synapse with postganglionic neurons in ganglia located very close to or within the target organs. Option C correctly identifies both the cranial and sacral regions as the sources of parasympathetic preganglionic fibers. Option A is incorrect because the cervical region is not involved in the parasympathetic division. Option B is incorrect because the thoracic region is not a source of parasympathetic preganglionic fibers, but is associated with the sympathetic division. Option D is incorrect because while the sacral region is a source of parasympathetic preganglionic fibers, the thoracic region is not. Option E is incorrect because while the thoracic region is associated with the sympathetic division, it is not a source of parasympathetic preganglionic fibers.

Parasympathetic Preganglionic Fibers Arise from the ____