autonomic ganglion

physiology

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June 18, 2026

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Autonomic ganglia are collections of nerve cells located outside the central nervous system that are part of the autonomic nervous system. This system regulates involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.12

The autonomic nervous system has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Preganglionic neurons originate in the brainstem or spinal cord and synapse with postganglionic neurons within these ganglia. Parasympathetic ganglia are typically near their target organs, while sympathetic ganglia are more distant. Sympathetic ganglia are further classified into paravertebral (forming the sympathetic chain) and prevertebral groups, innervating various organs and tissues throughout the body.12

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human nervous system
The autonomic nervous system
…collections of nerve cells called autonomic ganglia. Parasympathetic ganglia tend to lie close to or within the organs or tissues that their neurons innervate, whereas sympathetic ganglia are located at more distant sites from their target organs. Both systems have associated sensory fibers that send feedback into the central nervous…
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…collections of nerve cells called autonomic ganglia. Parasympathetic ganglia tend to lie close to or within the organs or tissues that their neurons innervate, whereas sympathetic ganglia are located at more distant sites from their target organs. Both systems have associated sensory fibers that send feedback into the central nervous…
Read More