Ganglia: Definition and Greek Etymology

Ganglia (singular: ganglion) are small, knot-like clusters of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).

Etymology

• Ganglion from Greek ganglion = "knot".
• Root breakdown: GANG- (knot) + -LION (diminutive suffix implying small structure).

Ganglia serve as relay points and processing centers for peripheral nervous system signals (e.g., dorsal root ganglia for sensory input, autonomic ganglia for involuntary control).