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A prevertebral ganglion is a cluster of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system that is part of the autonomic nervous system. These ganglia are considered "prevertebral" because they are situated near the internal organs they innervate.12

The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions and has two main divisions: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Preganglionic neurons, originating in the central nervous system, extend to autonomic ganglia where they synapse with postganglionic neurons.13

The three main prevertebral ganglia are the celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric ganglia. These ganglia distribute nerve fibers to various abdominal organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and parts of the colon.1

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