Coccygeal ganglion

Coccygeal Ganglion

The coccygeal ganglion (also known as the ganglion impar, ganglion of Walther, or ganglion of Andersch) is a singular structure of the autonomic nervous system. It is the final ganglion of the sympathetic trunk, a chain of ganglia that runs parallel to the spinal cord.

Anatomy

The coccygeal ganglion is located at the level of the coccyx, the tailbone. It is typically situated anterior to the sacrococcygeal joint and posterior to the anococcygeal ligament. It is formed by the fusion of the last pair of paravertebral ganglia.

Function

The coccygeal ganglion serves as a relay station for the sympathetic nervous system. It receives preganglionic fibers from the spinal cord and sends postganglionic fibers to the perineum and anus. It plays a role in the regulation of pelvic pain and visceral functions.

Clinical Significance

Due to its role in pain regulation, the coccygeal ganglion has been targeted in the treatment of chronic pain conditions. Ganglion impar block is a procedure where an anesthetic is injected into the ganglion to alleviate pain. This procedure is used in conditions such as coccydynia, perineal pain, and cancer pain.

See Also

• Sympathetic nervous system
• Ganglion
• Coccyx
• Chronic pain

References

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