Aorticorenal ganglia

Aorticorenal ganglia are formed by the accumulation of cell bodies of post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons within the celiac prevertebral plexus. The celiac plexus, as you may know, constitutes that part of the prevertebral plexus which extends from the root of the celiac trunk, all the way down to the superior mesenteric artery. Various subsidiary plexuses extend from the celiac plexus, including the renal plexus that serves as its lateral extension and invests the renal artery, on either side.

There are two aorticorenal ganglia located near the origins of renal arteries from the abdominal aorta. Superiorly, they fuse with the celiac ganglia. The aorticorenal ganglia serve as the sites of synapsis for the preganglionic sympathetic neurons which arise from lateral gray horns of spinal cord and reach out to the ganglia via the lesser splanchnic nerves. From here onwards, the post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons course along various arterial plexuses to innervate the viscera, such as kidneys.

The aorticorenal ganglia are connected with various plexuses including celiac and superior mesenteric plexuses, renal, testicular and ovarian plexuses. In addition, the ganglia are also linked with the adrenal gland. Hence, stimulation of aorticorenal ganglia could constrict the renal arterioles, increase the blood pressure, escalate the motility of bowel and ureter and enhance the function of testicle and ovary.