autonomic ganglion
Noun: A cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system that belongs to the autonomic nervous system. These ganglia contain the synapses between the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons whose unmyelinated fibers innervate and control the internal organs (viscera), such as the heart, digestive system, and glands.
This is a specialized anatomical and physiological term. It is used in medical, biological, and neuroscience contexts to describe specific components of the peripheral nervous system. * The autonomic ganglion serves as a relay station for nerve signals traveling to involuntary organs. * Neurotransmitters are released at the synapse within the autonomic ganglion.
- The celiac ganglion is a major autonomic ganglion that innervates abdominal organs.
- Signals from the spinal cord synapse in an autonomic ganglion before reaching the target tissue.
- Researchers studied the neurotransmitter activity in the autonomic ganglion.
- "parasympathetic/sympathetic autonomic ganglion": Specifies the division of the autonomic nervous system the ganglion belongs to. For example, the ciliary ganglion is a parasympathetic autonomic ganglion, while the superior cervical ganglion is a sympathetic one.
- "prevertebral autonomic ganglion": Refers to ganglia located anterior to the vertebral column, such as the celiac or superior mesenteric ganglia, which are part of the sympathetic chain.
- Ganglion (n): A general term for a collection of nerve cell bodies in the peripheral nervous system. An autonomic ganglion is a specific type.
- Ganglia (n): The plural form of ganglion.
- Autonomic nervous system (n): The part of the nervous system responsible for control of involuntary bodily functions, of which autonomic ganglia are a key component.
- Visceral ganglion (This is a less common but technically accurate synonym, emphasizing the innervation of internal organs).
The term specifically refers to ganglia of the autonomic system, distinguishing it from: * Dorsal root ganglia: Sensory ganglia associated with spinal nerves. * Cranial nerve ganglia: Sensory or parasympathetic ganglia associated with cranial nerves (e.g., the trigeminal ganglion is sensory, not an autonomic ganglion in the strict sense used here).
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any of the ganglia of the autonomic system whose unmyelinated fibers innervate the internal organs
