Corpus: Superior mesenteric ganglion

The superior mesenteric ganglion is a cluster of ganglion cells located at the origin of the superior mesenteric artery. It is part of the superior mesenteric plexus, which is itself part of the solar plexus, and belongs to the prevertebral ganglia.

The superior mesenteric ganglion receives presynaptic sympathetic nerve fibres from the greater and lesser splanchnic nerves. In this ganglion, these fibres synapse with postsynaptic neurons. The resulting fibres form the superior mesenteric plexus, which follows the superior mesenteric artery and innervates the small intestine, pancreas, and colon up to the left colonic flexure.