Further, many of these sensory functions result in reflexes including autonomic responses. Ordinarily there is no permanent sequelae - except for maybe a split scalp. Result is inadequate motility of the colon, chronic constipation, and grossly enlarged colon. Sympathetic innervation coordinates myocardium, smooth muscle, and glandular organs in a quick response to stress or emergencies. Also known as the 'thoracolumbar' nervous system, it's exit from the CNS is entirely spinal in origin.
Sympathetic function is generally global - response throughout the system is total.
Not only does the sympathetic division supply the visceral organs within body cavities, but also the visceral structures in the superficial part of the body. The sympathetic division operates in antagonism to the other division of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic system. The name 'thoracolumbar' describes the central location of cell bodies whose axons project into the periphery to synapse on their target organs. The cell bodies of all preganglionic neurons of the sympathetic nervous system are located in the lateral horns of the spinal cord, at spinal segments T1 through L2. From there the postganglionic neuron is distributed via the spinal nerves to the somatic body to innervate such visceral structures as smooth muscle in vessels and hair follicles, and glands such as sweat glands.