POLYGANGLIONIC Meaning and
Definition
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Polyganglionic refers to a condition or characteristic involving multiple or numerous ganglia. A ganglion, in biological terms, is a concentration of nerve cells (neurons) outside the central nervous system, often forming a swelling or knot-like structure. These ganglia are crucial in transmitting and processing sensory information, controlling voluntary and involuntary movements, and overall nerve cell communication.
Polyganglionic, therefore, refers to a state where there are multiple ganglia present in a particular anatomical region or system. It implies the existence of an abundance of ganglia, suggesting a system or network that is densely interconnected or richly populated with these nerve cell clusters.
This term commonly finds application in medical and anatomical contexts, particularly referring to situations where an excess or unusual distribution of ganglia is observed. For example, in certain pathological conditions like polyganglionic neuropathy, there is an abnormal proliferation of ganglia in peripheral nervous tissues leading to disrupted nerve functions. In such cases, "polyganglionic" specifically refers to the excessive and aberrant presence of ganglia.
Overall, "polyganglionic" highlights the characteristic or condition of having multiple and often numerous ganglia, indicating an anatomical setting with an increased number of nerve cell clusters.
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Containing or involving many ganglia or lymph-glands.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POLYGANGLIONIC
Etymology of POLYGANGLIONIC
The word "polyganglionic" is derived from two sources: "poly-" and "ganglion".
1. "Poly-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "polus", meaning "many" or "several". In medical terminology, "poly-" is commonly used to indicate "many" or "more than one".
2. "Ganglion" originates from the Greek word "ganglion", meaning "swelling" or "knot". In anatomy, a ganglion refers to a collection of nerve cell bodies outside the central nervous system, often resembling a knot or a swelling.
Thus, by combining "poly-" and "ganglion", the word "polyganglionic" is formed to describe a condition or situation involving or related to multiple ganglia.
