Description
The inferior mesenteric ganglion is the most inferior of the prevertebral sympathetic ganglia in the abdomen. It is located at the root of the inferior mesenteric artery as it branches from the aorta. It is small and may be a loose collection of cells rather than a defined ganglion. The ganglion receives primary input from the first and second lumbar nerves (L1-L2), via the lumbar splanchnic nerves. In addition, some preganglionic fibers may travel in the lesser and least thoracic splanchnic nerves. Preganglionic axons travel to the ganglion by way of the aortic plexus. A synapse occurs within the ganglion and postganglionic axons are distributed to their targets in the inferior mesenteric plexus.
