The sympathetic chain consists of two parallel chains of ganglia located on either side of the whose axons innervate visceral organs.

The sympathetic chain, also known as the sympathetic trunk, consists of two parallel chains of ganglia located on either side of the spinal cord. The axons from these ganglia innervate visceral organs, which are the organs in the body's main cavities such as the heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, etc.

Here are the steps:

1. The sympathetic chain begins in the brainstem, where neurons in the hypothalamus send signals to the spinal cord.

2. These signals travel down the spinal cord to the thoracic and lumbar regions, where they exit the spinal cord and enter the sympathetic chain.

3. Once in the sympathetic chain, these signals can either synapse (connect) with neurons in the chain's ganglia, or they can continue down the chain to synapse with neurons in ganglia further along.

4. If the signals synapse with neurons in the chain's ganglia, they will then travel along the axons of these neurons to innervate the visceral organs. This is how the sympathetic nervous system controls functions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.

5. If the signals continue down the chain without synapsing, they can exit the chain and travel to other parts of the body, such as the skin or blood vessels. This is how the sympathetic nervous system controls functions such as sweating and blood pressure.

6. After the signals have done their job, they will return to the brain via the same route, allowing the brain to monitor and adjust the body's responses as necessary.