ganglion

/'gæɳgliən/

Thân thiện

A doctor points to a diagram of a ganglion in a medical textbook.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An encapsulated neural structure consisting of a collection of cell bodies or neurons: In anatomy and neurology, a 'ganglion' is a mass of nerve tissue containing cell bodies of neurons, typically located outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is often encapsulated in connective tissue.
   • (Figurative) A center of force, activity, or interest: By extension, 'ganglion' can metaphorically describe a focal point or central hub of energy or operation within a system.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Anatomical):
  • The dorsal root ganglion contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons.
  • A ganglion cyst is a benign lump, often on the wrist, that is not a true neural ganglion.
• Noun (Figurative):
  • The bustling market was the ganglion of the city's economic life.
  • The internet has become a ganglion for global information exchange.

Advanced Usage

• "Basal ganglia": A specific group of nuclei (masses of gray matter) in the brain involved in motor control and learning.
  • Damage to the basal ganglia can result in movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
• "Autonomic ganglion": A cluster of neurons of the autonomic nervous system.
  • The celiac ganglion is an important autonomic ganglion involved in digestive functions.

Variants and Related Words

• Ganglia (n): The standard plural form of 'ganglion'.
  • The sympathetic chain contains a series of interconnected ganglia.
• Ganglionic (adj): Pertaining to or of the nature of a ganglion.
  • The ganglionic transmission of nerve signals is complex.

Synonyms

• Nerve center: A group of nerve cells governing a specific function.
• Nucleus (in neurology): A cluster of neurons in the central nervous system.
• Hub: A central point (figurative synonym).

Related Phrases

• Ganglion cell: A type of neuron located in the retina of the eye.
  • Retinal ganglion cells transmit visual information to the brain.
• Ganglion impar: A solitary ganglion located in front of the coccyx.
  • The ganglion impar may be targeted for pain management procedures.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an encapsulated neural structure consisting of a collection of cell bodies or neurons