ganglion

[ gang-glee-uhn ]

noun

, plural gan·gli·a [gang, -glee-, uh], gan·gli·ons.

1. Anatomy.
   1. a mass of nerve tissue existing outside the central nervous system.
   2. any of certain masses of gray matter in the brain, as the basal ganglia.
2. Pathology. a cyst or enlargement in connection with the sheath of a tendon, usually at the wrist.
3. a center of intellectual or industrial force, activity, etc.

ganglion

/ ˈɡæŋɡlɪən /

noun

1. an encapsulated collection of nerve-cell bodies, usually located outside the brain and spinal cord
2. any concentration of energy, activity, or strength
3. a cystic tumour on a tendon sheath or joint capsule

ganglion

/ găng′glē-ən /

, Plural ganglia

1. A compact group of neurons enclosed by connective tissue and having a specific function. In invertebrate animals, pairs of ganglia occur at intervals along the axis of the body, with the forwardmost pair functioning like a brain. In vertebrates, ganglia are usually located outside the brain or spinal cord, where they regulate the functioning of the body's organs and glands as part of the autonomic nervous system.

Derived Forms

• ˌgangliˈonic, adjective
• ˈganglial, adjective

Other Words From

• gangli·al gangli·ar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ganglion¹

1675–85; < Late Latin: a type of swelling < Greek gánglion a tumor under the skin, on or near a tendon

Word History and Origins

Origin of ganglion¹

C17: from Late Latin: swelling, from Greek: cystic tumour

Example Sentences

Results show that DRN serotonin stimulation causes activation of the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia, brain areas involved in many cognitive functions.

From Science Daily

Using mouse antibodies that glom on to proteasomes, and other methods, the investigators found the proteasomes on the surface of neurons in the spinal cord, dorsal root ganglia, sciatic nerve and peripheral nerves innervating skin.

From Science Daily

The basal ganglia receives signals from the motor cortex as skaters leap and twirl in the air.

From New York Times

Ullman says the findings underscore the potential utility of drugs that are known to improve movement impairments due to basal ganglia dysfunction, such as those that act on dopamine receptors.

From Science Daily

Subcortical structures in the brain, responsible for children's temperament or motor functions such as the amygdala and basal ganglia, may be more vulnerable to factors affecting the placenta in the second trimester.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• command post
• focal point
• headquarters
• hotbed