Autonomic ganglion

Autonomic ganglia are clusters of neuronal cell bodies located outside the central nervous system, primarily in the peripheral nervous system, serving as relay stations for autonomic nerve fibers. They mediate synaptic transmission from preganglionic to postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Their main neurotransmitter is acetylcholine, acting on postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Autonomic ganglia are crucial in regulating a wide array of involuntary physiological functions (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, urogenital), and dysfunction of these structures can result in severe autonomic disorders such as autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy and dysautonomia.

Other names

Autonomic gangliaAutonomic nervous system ganglionANS ganglionSympathetic ganglionParasympathetic ganglion