What it means
Ganglia are relay stations of the peripheral nervous systempuh-RIF-er-ul NER-vus SIS-tumAll the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which link them to the rest of the body.Full entry , such as the chains of ganglia beside the spine in the autonomic nervous system and the dorsal root ganglia, where some viruses, such as the chickenpox virus behind shingles, can hide. The word is also used for a ganglion cyst, a harmless fluid-filled lump near a joint or tendon, often on the wrist.
At a glance
| Spanish | ganglio |
|---|---|
| Also written | ganglia |
Related terms
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that controls body functions without conscious thought, such as heart rate, breathing and digestion.
neuron
A nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.
peripheral nervous system
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which link them to the rest of the body.
cyst
A closed sac in the body filled with fluid, air or semi-solid material.