Cervical ganglia

Cervical ganglia are a group of sympathetic ganglia located in the neck region of the human body. They are part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, salivation, perspiration, and pupil dilation. The cervical ganglia consist of three main ganglia: the superior, middle, and inferior cervical ganglia.

Etymology

The term "cervical" is derived from the Latin word "cervix" which means neck. "Ganglia" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion" which means a swelling or knot.

Superior cervical ganglion

The superior cervical ganglion is the topmost ganglion in the cervical sympathetic chain. It is located at the level of the carotid artery bifurcation and the C2 vertebra. It provides sympathetic innervation to structures in the head and neck.

Middle cervical ganglion

The middle cervical ganglion is the smallest of the three ganglia and is occasionally absent. It is located at the level of the thyroid gland and the C6 vertebra. It provides sympathetic innervation to the thyroid gland and the heart.

Inferior cervical ganglion

The inferior cervical ganglion is located at the level of the first thoracic vertebra. It is often fused with the first thoracic ganglion to form the stellate ganglion. It provides sympathetic innervation to the heart and the upper limbs.

Related terms

• Sympathetic nervous system
• Autonomic nervous system
• Ganglion
• Cervical vertebrae
• Carotid artery
• Thyroid gland
• Stellate ganglion

See also

• Sympathetic chain
• Parasympathetic ganglia
• Vertebral column
• Neck

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  Cervical ganglia illustration
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  Slide showing cervical ganglia