SEMILUNAR GANGLIA Meaning and
Definition
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Semilunar ganglia, also known as the celiac ganglia or solar plexus, are a pair of large, complex clusters of nerve cell bodies (ganglia) located in the abdomen. They are part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), specifically the sympathetic division.
The semilunar ganglia are positioned on each side of the celiac artery, near the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm. They are responsible for governing the sympathetic innervation to multiple abdominal organs, including the stomach, liver, spleen, pancreas, small intestine, and kidneys.
As a crucial component of the ANS, the semilunar ganglia play a vital role in regulating various automatic functions within the abdominal region. They receive signals from preganglionic sympathetic neurons, which are responsible for transmitting information from the central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). These signals are then distributed by postganglionic sympathetic neurons to their respective target organs for modulation and control.
The semilunar ganglia play a significant role in the body's stress response, mediating the "fight-or-flight" reaction. When stimulated, the ganglia release neurotransmitters that trigger various physiological responses, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and decreased gastrointestinal motility. These responses help prepare the body for increased physical activity and alertness during times of perceived threat or danger.
Understanding the structure and function of the semilunar ganglia is essential in fields like neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and clinical medicine, as it provides insight into the intricate workings of the autonomic nervous system and its impact on abdominal organ function.
Common Misspellings for SEMILUNAR GANGLIA
- aemilunar ganglia
- zemilunar ganglia
- xemilunar ganglia
- demilunar ganglia
- eemilunar ganglia
- wemilunar ganglia
- swmilunar ganglia
- ssmilunar ganglia
- sdmilunar ganglia
- srmilunar ganglia
- s4milunar ganglia
- s3milunar ganglia
- senilunar ganglia
- sekilunar ganglia
- sejilunar ganglia
- semulunar ganglia
- semjlunar ganglia
- semklunar ganglia
- semolunar ganglia
- sem9lunar ganglia
Etymology of SEMILUNAR GANGLIA
The word "semilunar" is derived from the Latin words "semi", meaning "half", and "lunar", meaning "moon". It is used to describe a shape that resembles a half-moon or a crescent moon.
The term "ganglia" is the plural form of the word "ganglion", which comes from the Greek word "ganglion", meaning "a knot" or "a swelling". In anatomy, a ganglion refers to a cluster of nerve cell bodies that are commonly found outside the central nervous system.
Therefore, "semilunar ganglia" refers to clusters of nerve cell bodies that are shaped like a half-moon or a crescent moon. These ganglia are typically found in the sympathetic chain, which is a part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response.
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