Greater splanchnic nerve

The **greater splanchnic nerve** is a major component of the thoracic splanchnic nerves, arising from the medial branches of the fifth through ninth thoracic sympathetic ganglia. It descends along the anterior surface of the spine, passes through the diaphragm, and terminates primarily at the celiac ganglia. The greater splanchnic nerve carries preganglionic sympathetic fibers that provide autonomic innervation to foregut structures including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, stomach, pancreas, duodenum, and also sends fibers to stimulate catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla. Its main functions are modulation of visceral activity—such as inhibiting gut motility and secretions—and regulation of vascular tone within its target organs[1][2][3][5]. **Note:** The greater splanchnic nerve is an *anatomical structure*—a peripheral mixed autonomic/sensory nerve—not a molecular therapeutic target such as a receptor or enzyme. It does not fit standard drug-target classifications used in pharmacology databases; thus "is_target" should be marked false and "is_incorrect" true for purposes where only molecular targets are relevant[1][2].

Other names

Greater thoracic splanchnic nerveNervus splanchnicus majorThoracic splanchnic nerve (greater)