The term "ganglion cervicale inferius" refers to a neural structure located in the human body. Specifically, it is a ganglion, which is a collection of nerve cell bodies, situated in the cervical (neck) region of the central nervous system. The word "cervicale" pertains to the neck, while "inferius" indicates its position as being situated lower or towards the lower end of the neck.
The ganglion cervicale inferius can also be known as the inferior cervical ganglion. It is one of the uppermost paravertebral ganglia, originating from the sympathetic trunk. The sympathetic trunk is a major component of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating involuntary bodily functions.
This ganglion is typically situated near the fifth and sixth cervical vertebrae, close to the vertebral artery and the inferior thyroid artery. It is surrounded by various blood vessels and nerves in this region.
The ganglion cervicale inferius plays a crucial role in the sympathetic innervation of the head, neck, and upper limbs. It receives preganglionic sympathetic fibers originating from the spinal cord and transmits postganglionic sympathetic fibers to various target organs and tissues. These fibers regulate various physiological processes, such as blood flow, pupil dilation, and sweat production, among others.
In summary, the ganglion cervicale inferius is a neural structure in the cervical region that mediates sympathetic innervation to parts of the head, neck, and upper limbs.
