Ganglion impar

Ganglion Impar

The Ganglion Impar is a solitary ganglion, also known as the ganglion of Walther. It is a part of the sympathetic nervous system and is located at the level of the sacrococcygeal junction. It is the final structure in the sympathetic chain, also known as the sympathetic trunk.

The Ganglion Impar is located at the level of the sacrococcygeal junction.

Anatomy

The Ganglion Impar is a small, retroperitoneal structure that is located anterior to the sacrococcygeal junction. It is usually located at the level of the coccyx, but its exact location can vary. It is formed by the fusion of the two terminal ganglia of the sympathetic chain.

Function

The Ganglion Impar is involved in the innervation of the perineum and the pelvic organs. It provides sympathetic innervation to the distal rectum, anus, perineum, and external genitalia. It also plays a role in the regulation of pain and temperature sensation in these areas.

Clinical significance

Due to its role in pain regulation, the Ganglion Impar is a target for nerve block procedures in the management of chronic pelvic and perineal pain. This procedure, known as a Ganglion Impar block, involves the injection of a local anesthetic into the ganglion to block its function. This can provide significant pain relief for patients with conditions such as coccydynia, perineal cancer, and chronic prostatitis.

See also

• Sympathetic trunk
• Nerve block

External links

• Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ganglion Impar.