AGANGLIONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Aganglionic refers to a condition or state characterized by the absence or lack of ganglia, which are groups of nerve cells found in the peripheral nervous system. Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies that play a crucial role in transmitting signals within the nervous system. They are responsible for integrating and processing information received from sensory organs and initiating motor responses.
In the context of medical terminology, aganglionic typically pertains to a specific disorder known as aganglionic megacolon or Hirschsprung's disease. This congenital condition is characterized by a segment of the large intestine that lacks the normal network of nerves (ganglion cells) needed for effective peristalsis, the wave-like muscle contractions that move feces down the digestive tract. As a result, affected individuals may experience severe constipation, abdominal distension, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.
The term aganglionic can be used more generally to describe any situation or area where ganglion cells are missing or nonexistent. Researchers and clinicians might use this term when discussing certain neurological disorders, where the absence of ganglia can impact the functioning of the peripheral nervous system. Understanding the concept of aganglionic is essential in diagnosing and treating conditions related to abnormalities in the development or presence of ganglia in specific body areas.
Common Misspellings for AGANGLIONIC
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- aganflionic
Etymology of AGANGLIONIC
The term "aganglionic" is derived from the combination of two components: "a-" and "ganglionic".
The prefix "a-" in English is often used to denote the absence or lack of something. In this case, it indicates the absence or lack of something related to ganglia.
The word "ganglionic" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion", meaning "a swelling" or "a knot". In anatomy, ganglia refer to collections of nerve cell bodies located outside the central nervous system. These nerve cell bodies play a crucial role in transmitting and processing nerve signals.
By combining "a-" with "ganglionic", the word "aganglionic" conveys the absence or lack of ganglia. Specifically, in the medical context, it is often used in reference to conditions or disorders where certain regions or parts of the body are lacking or have an insufficient number of ganglia.
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