Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

Which thoracic vertebrae levels correlate with visceral sensations from the lungs?

1. T1-T3

2. T2-T5

3. T1-T5

4. T2-T4

The correct answer is: T2-T5

Visceral sensations from the lungs are primarily mediated through the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic pathways. The sympathetic innervation for the lungs arises from the thoracic levels of the spinal cord. Specifically, the preganglionic sympathetic fibers exit at the levels of T2 to T5. These segments provide innervation to the lungs, allowing for the sensation of various conditions such as pain or discomfort related to pulmonary issues. The thoracic segments from T1 to T3 focus more on the upper regions, while T1 to T5 would include segments slightly higher than needed for optimal lung sensation correlation. T2 to T4, while covering a range, does not encompass the entire necessary level for complete visceral representation. Thus, the choice that accurately reflects the spinal levels correlating with visceral sensations from the lungs includes T2 to T5, as it covers the appropriate segmental nerves involved in sympathetic innervation and visceral sensory pathways.