Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Splanchnic nerve
Introduction
The splanchnic nerves are paired nerves that innervate the viscera, carrying fibers of the autonomic nervous system (visceral efferent fibers) as well as sensory fibers from the organs (which are also known as visceral afferent fibers). All carry sympathetic fibers except for the pelvic splanchnic nerves, which carry parasympathetic fibers.
Types
Specifically, the term “splanchnic nerves” can refer to:
- Thoracic splanchnic nerves (greater, lesser, and least)
- Lumbar splanchnic nerves
- Sacral splanchnic nerves
- Pelvic splanchnic nerves
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]